Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor University Athletic Department
106 E. Main St. Spring Arbor, MI 49283

NAIA Michigan Midwest

Private Small Competitive team

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Coaches

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Deb Thompson

Deb Thompson took over as Spring Arbor University head softball coach after Deb Varland stepped down from the position in 1987. Since then, Thompson has built a storied and successful legacy, earning numerous coaching awards along the way.

In 1996, 1998 and 2004, Thompson was named the NFCA Regional Coach of the Year. She has also earned NCCAA Regional Coach of the Year honors on nine different occasions. In 2005, she was named NCCAA National Coach of the Year after her Cougars captured the NCCAA national title.

Thompson served on the NAIA Softball Coaches Association executive committee for five years, served as national vice chair of the NCCAA.

In 2002, she was inducted into the Spring Arbor University Athletics Hall of Fame and followed that up in 2005 by being inducted into the Blissfield High School Hall of Fame, where she played during her prep career. During the 2014 season, Thompson recorded her 700th victory, and currently ranks sixth on the NAIA's list of winningest active coaches.

As an athlete at SAU, Thompson was, and still is, considered one of the program's best pitchers. Her knowledge of the game and motivational ability has built the program's reputation both on and off campus.

Thompson's work at Spring Arbor extends beyond the softball field. She is an exercise and sports science professor and CORE 100 instructor. She also leads cross cultural trips to other countries.

Thompson resides in Spring Arbor.