Girls Basketball Coach Alicia Thompson started in Big Lake, Texas.  Falling for the love of basketball when she was young, she continued to play through her college years. During these years, Thompson grabbed the place holder of second at Texas Tech for a high of points.

Just as her high of points place was a surprise to the college, it was also a surprise to Thompson. This moment was just the beginning of more exciting times in her life.

“It was a shock to me too,” Thompson said. “I was never a person for scoring.”

Thompson took her skills to the Women’s National Basketball Association. She was New York Liberty’s first round pick. Thompson says she wanted to play basketball as well as be a chef.

“I never really knew what I wanted to do in college,” Thompson said. “I just loved basketball. Basketball was my life.”

Going from a small town to New York was one great accomplishment for Thompson. To play in the League had always been a dream of hers. From the New York Liberty, to Fever, then to the Seattle Storm where she was able to bring home a championship. During her years of play, Thompson overcame three knee surgeries.  After six seasons in the WNBA Thompson had had her time, but she never lost touch of the relationships and family she developed.

Thompson enjoyed the strive of her team.

“Everyone was fighting for the same thing,” Thompson said.

After her time in the WNBA came to an end, Thompson returned to Texas to coach. She coached a select team for some of Wylie East Girls Varsity players. Thompson met Jill Reynolds, Head Coach at Wylie East High School, in the summer of 2012. Reynolds didn’t know much about Thompson as a player, but was willing to help get her on staff.

“She was a lot taller than me,” Reynolds said.

Varsity player Kaila Gower met Thompson her freshman year. She says she learned a lot from her.

“She plays around a lot with us,” Kaila Gower said.

Joining the Raider Nation family, Thompson brought very much humor to the team.  Laughs were reported from the locker room as well as team work. Thompson continues to spread her story and positivity to others.

“I guess he (God) sent me here to be an example to others,” Thompson said.