Finding Home On The Banks: Thompson is Right Where She Needs to Be with Women's Basketball
Aug 01 | Women's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – At three years old, Lisa Thompson could be found in her mother Patricia's apartment, dribbling throughout the living room and kitchen with her father, Anthony. From that very young age, Thompson and her father bonded over the sport, and he did not skip out on a second of being with her on the floor.
"He definitely didn't miss a game," Thompson said. "He always took me to my tournaments and would always find a way to make it to every game he could. There were times he took off work just to see me play."
Not only did Thompson's father drive her to and from her practices and games, but he took an active role in her development as a player, acting as another coach to Thompson, helping her in all assets of her skillset.
"His support means everything to me," Thompson added. "I definitely get a lot of advice from him on the court when it comes to how to handle situations. If I need more insight with my defense or shooting, he is always there to provide me with good pointers and tips."
The decision to come to the east coast from her hometown of Joliet, Illinois and away from her family was not easy. However, it was an opportunity she could not pass up. The chance to play in a new era of such a historic program was something Thompson knew she wanted to be a part of.
"The opportunity to come play here at Rutgers is amazing," Thompson said. "Rutgers is a women's basketball school. I just wanted to be a part of a school with a strong legacy of women student-athlete success."
Not only was the reputation and the stature of the program alluring, but also head coach Coquese Washington.
As proclaimed by many of Thompson's teammates, Washington makes it a point and a goal of hers to help student-athletes develop in all aspects of their lives. Not only does she focus on getting better on the court but also life after basketball.
This care and perspective from Washington is what led Thompson to find her home "On The Banks."
"Coach Washington is very sweet and genuine," Thompson said. "My relationship with Coach definitely impacted my decision to come here. She cares about every aspect of our lives and wants to see us become the best version of ourselves."
Not only has the 5-foot-9 guard formed a bond with Washington, but also her position coach and Rutgers icon, assistant coach Tasha Pointer.
Although Thompson has only been on campus since the start of the summer, she has already taken so much away from her time with Pointer and is looking forward to learning even more throughout her freshman season.
"Coach Pointer is amazing," Thompson said. "She really pours into our development as point guards and is always pushing us. She's always very motivating. She is helping me become the best version of myself as a point guard and gives me tips that will translate into my game too. I really idolize her."
This kind of authenticity from the Rutgers women's basketball coaching staff was made clear when Thompson first stepped onto campus.
The staff has followed through on everything they talked about during Thompson's official visit, and she feels like she is in the best possible place to play her college career.
"There was no phoniness or anything when I was recruited because everything that they showed me and said to me on my visit, I'm getting all of it," added Thompson. "I've seen everything that they said they were going to do. It's a very grounding moment because I feel like I am in a perfect position here. They're going get me to where I need to be."
Thompson not only felt welcomed by the coaching staff at Rutgers but also her teammates.
In just a short amount of time together, Thompson and the rest of the Scarlet Knights are already gelling and creating strong bonds. This connection can be seen on the hardwood during practice as well as off the floor.
"My favorite part has just been building chemistry on and off the court," Thompson stated. "Like just whenever we get a chance to have team bonding outside of basketball, that is what I cherish the most. I feel like it definitely translates on the court too."
Thompson and the other four newcomers in Jill Huerter, Kennedy Brandt, Destiny Adams and Mya Petticord have quickly formed a special bond as they all transition to life at a new school.
All five of the newcomers are guards or guard/forward combos, so not only are they there to support each other off the court with the adjustment to living in Piscataway, New Jersey, but also on the court.
"We are always there for each other," added Thompson. "Since we are all mostly the same position, we try to keep a tight-knit relationship. We have been trying to have each other's back and talk things out and communicating really well."
