Thompson returns to LWC on a mission
By Ta'Shya Cramer
Sports Editor
Anthony Thompson’s journey to becoming a coach wasn’t one of straight lines and easy choices. It was shaped by the highs and lows of personal experience, the lessons learned through adversity, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of young athletes. From humble beginnings in high school sports to navigating the hurdles of college athletics, Thompson’s career as a coach is a testament to perseverance, empathy, and the transformative power of mentorship.
Journey of Discovery
It’s not uncommon for athletes to dream of turning their passion into a career, but for Thompson, the idea of coaching wasn’t always in his sights. In fact, his first love was sports journalism. With a degree in Media Studies and Communications, he had aspirations of broadcasting or writing about sports. But after graduation, a series of jobs that included Enterprise and Hertz which left him feeling unfulfilled. It was during this time, while working a summer job at a track and field camp for athletes under 18, that Thompson experienced the spark that would ignite his coaching career.
“I did it just to give back,” Thompson said. “It wasn’t about the money. I just wanted to help out, and something clicked.”
What started as a humble attempt to teach long jump drills to young athletes slowly evolved into a realization that coaching was where he was meant to be. A pivotal phone call from his former coach at Lindsey Wilson, would solidify this shift, offering Thompson the opportunity to step into a coaching role.
In 2019, Thompson began his coaching journey at Lindsey Wilson as an intern. The experience was far from glamorous, but it gave him the foundation to build relationships, recruit athletes, and guide them toward success. It wasn’t long before Thompson made a permanent commitment to coaching, stepping away from his other job prospects and academic pursuits.
Personal Struggles
Thompson's experiences as a college athlete have had a profound impact on his coaching
philosophy. He wasn’t always the star athlete, far from it. As a freshman at Western Kentucky,
Thompson faced challenges that shaped the way he views success, opportunity, and team
dynamics.
Although he was on the team, he often felt like an outsider, not receiving the same gear or treatment as the more established athletes. He had to buy his own practice gear, and there were moments when he didn’t even feel like he belonged.
“I wasn’t given the same opportunities as others, and I never want my athletes to feel that way...”
“I always wanted to show people that this is a privilege,” Thompson said. “I wasn’t given the same opportunities as others, and I never want my athletes to feel that way. That’s why I coach with an emphasis on making sure everyone is treated with respect, no matter their talent or background.”
This sense of fairness and opportunity informs every aspect of his coaching style. It’s why he
strives to treat his athletes equally but fairly, ensuring that they understand the value of their
opportunities, as fleeting as they may seem. Thompson pushes his athletes not only to improve their performance but also to be grateful for what they have—a lesson he learned the hard way during his own struggles.
Building Meaningful Relationships
For Coach Thompson, the heart of coaching lies in building authentic relationships. He believes in guiding athletes not only as competitors but also as people, recognizing that their personal lives, challenges, and backgrounds shape their performance.
“When I know your family background, what kind of support system you have—or don’t have—I can step in when needed and be that mentor for you...”
“The more I understand you, the better I can guide you,” he explains. “When I know your family background, what kind of support system you have—or don’t have—I can step in when needed and be that mentor for you.”
Thompson’s approach to relationships isn’t just about celebrating victories; it’s about being there for athletes during their toughest moments, when their races don’t go as planned, or when they face personal setbacks. He emphasizes that consistency is key, showing up the same way for athletes whether they’re succeeding or struggling.
“You can’t just celebrate them at their best and abandon them at their worst,” Thompson insists. “You have to be there for both. And that builds trust, which is the foundation of any great coach-athlete relationship.”
Overcoming Setbacks
Thompson’s resilience is a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. Having faced his own
setbacks—from academic struggles to not being given a fair shot as an athlete—he understands how adversity can shape both individuals and teams. He uses setbacks as teaching moments, reminding athletes to be grateful for the challenges they face.
“I believe that every setback is an opportunity,” he said. “When injuries happen, I want to know not just about the physical issue but also about the mental side. How are you handling this? What are you learning from it?”
Thompson’s approach is holistic, addressing both physical recovery and the mental resilience
needed to push through challenges. His goal is to help his athletes not only recover from adversity but also grow stronger from it.
Thompson also admits that he is his own toughest critic. He’s candid about the fact that he often struggles with patience and perfectionism. He wants everything to go as planned, but he’s learning to accept that setbacks are part of the journey, both for himself and his athletes.
“I’m still learning to be okay with not hitting 100% every time,” he says. “But I’m getting better at understanding that progress is more important than perfection.”
Long-Term Vision
When asked about his long-term goals, Thompson’s focus is less on accolades and more on
creating lasting impact. He envisions a coaching career that not only helps athletes win titles but also prepares them for life beyond the track.
“Life happens, and not every athlete will stay for four years, but as long as they understand the value of what we’re doing, I know I’ve done my job...”
“I want to graduate every athlete who buys into the process,” he explains. “Life happens, and not every athlete will stay for four years, but as long as they understand the value of what we’re doing, I know I’ve done my job.”
Thompson’s dedication to making a difference is evident in the success stories of athletes who may not have stayed for all four years but still carry with them the lessons and relationships
forged during their time under his guidance. He takes pride in the fact that many of these former athletes still reach out to him, sharing how the lessons he instilled in them continue to shape their lives.
A Turning Point
Thompson’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience, and the lasting impact a coach can have on their athletes. He credits his own high school coach, Coach Newton, for helping him realize his potential when he was ready to give up on himself.
“Coach Newton told me, ‘Son, why are you still here? You’re not supposed to be here,’”
Thompson remembers. “That moment changed everything for me. It made me realize that I
needed to take responsibility for my own future and stop letting life’s challenges hold me back.”
For Anthony Thompson, coaching is about far more than winning medals or championships. It’s about helping athletes discover their potential, overcome their challenges, and create memories that will last a lifetime. As he continues to grow in his career, one thing is clear—his legacy will be defined by the impact he has on the lives of those he coaches.
Anthony Thompson celebrates winning a national title with athletes from Campbellsville University. Thompson, who graduated from Lindsey Wilson, was a coach at CU but has now returned to LW to become Director of Track and Field. Courtesy photo.
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