Now, she’s set to do the same across the road after signing with Coastal Georgia at a ceremony Wednesday.
Thompson, who was named to the All-Region 2-6A team twice in her prep career, is viewed as a future key defensive specialist for the Mariners under second-year head coach Israel Delgado.
“She will be working with us as a DS, so I think she is going to help us in the defensive area,” Delgado said. “This year, we don’t have our starting libero because injuries, so I think she is going to bring more depth to the position.
“I think she is going to develop with us and get better through the years. I’m pretty sure, by her second or third year, she’s going to be an impact player for us.”
A rock in the Pirates’ program from the start, Thompson’s infectious work ethic and initiative has been a tremendous asset for Brunswick head coach Jasmine Hubbard and a developing team.
This past season, Thompson suffered a concussion that held her out part of her senior campaign. And even with the Pirates essentially playing out the string, she made a return to the court to help BHS finish strong.
“From Day 1, she’s been that leader, that voice, that person that’s always gung-ho, knows what should be done, what needs to be done, and gets it in order,” said Hubbard, who was an assistant for BHS for two seasons before taking over as head coach two years ago. “She’s like the voice, the heart. We’re going to have to find a new heart of the team because she’s taking that with her across the street.”
Thompson harbors nothing but fond memories of her time as a Pirate. The kinship of the team stands out as a highlight of her experience.
“It’s just really enjoyable, I love the team,” Thompson said. “It’s a good environment. I’ve loved all these girls, whether I’ve just met them, or if I’ve known them my entire four years. Very supportive; just a great place to be.”
It has always been a dream of Thompson’s to play collegiate volleyball. It just so happen an opportunity arose at a burgeoning program in her hometown.
Coastal Georgia is 23-7 on the season — its most wins since 2016-17 — and will appear in the Sun Conference semifinal game Friday with its sights set on returning to the NAIA national tournament following a two-year hiatus.
In a familiar role on an up-and-coming program, Hubbard expects Thompson to thrive with the Mariners.
“She’s used to the building environment, the building mindset because, as you know, we haven’t always had the best seasons,” Hubbard said. “But at the same time, that has never weathered her to say, ‘Well, I don’t want to do this anymore,’ or ‘I’m going to try less hard,’ or anything like that. She still gives 1,000 percent because she has a great passion for volleyball.
“Being in their program, she’s going to love to be a part of the building process.”
Delgado has quickly reshaped Coastal Georgia in his image over the past two recruiting cycles, but he wasn’t satisfied with the Mariners’ presence in the talent-rich area.
Thompson is the first local volleyball player to sign with Coastal Georgia.
“I want to try to improve our recruiting here in Brunswick, see those schools that really have the talent and players that can really play for us, and sell them that our program is good as good as any D1, D2 around the area,” Delgado said. “That was one of the goals also. I think we need to find impact players that are closer to the school.”
Being recruited by a college in your own backyard has its perks.
Thompson has been a frequent attendant of Mariner practices and games. Her new head coach has done his best to make her feel like she’s already a part of the family.
“(Delgado is) very supportive, very encouraging,” Thompson said. “He keeps me up to date. I’ve been able to go to a lot of their home games. I love the environment, I love the team; it’s very energetic. I’m just excited to go there.”