Mr. Thompson spent 26 summers at the Five-Star Basketball Camp, where he notably coached Vince Carter, Grant Hill, and Christian Laettner.
HOPEWELL, VA, August 23, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Eugene Thompson with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Mr. Thompson celebrates many years' experience in his professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Thompson is an adjunct professor and tennis professional who joined his alma mater, Virginia State University, in 2005 as the head men's tennis coach. Working closely with his student-athletes, he focuses on providing an engaging and inspiring atmosphere that enables them to reach their full potential while maintaining integrity both on and off the court. In addition to coaching tennis on campus, Mr. Thompson taught as the assistant women's basketball coach and was the men's basketball interim coach and the fitness center coordinator.
Driven by his passion, Mr. Thompson began playing various sports in high school. During that time, he garnered inspiration from several of his coaches. He subsequently found success playing football and basketball while serving his country for two years as a military policeman. Shortly after college, Mr. Thompson became the boys' basketball coach at Wilmington High School, leading his teams to several state championships. He also served as the men's and women's head tennis coach at Lincoln University for 10 years and garnered experience as a head track and field coach and assistant football coach. Besides his academic positions, Mr. Thompson spent 26 summers at the Five-Star Basketball Camp, where he notably coached Vince Carter, Grant Hill, and Christian Laettner.
Recalling some of his most memorable experiences in the field, Mr. Thompson won his first state championship as a head coach in 1978. He was also instrumental in his team being selected for the National Collegiate Athletic Association national championship in tennis in 2009. Among other accomplishments, Mr. Thompson had the opportunity to work with the Delaware Tennis Association, teaching tennis and overseeing a basketball camp.
Passionate about educating others, Mr. Thompson has served his community as a mentor for 100 Black Men of America Inc., a civic organization and service club dedicated to empowering and educating the African American youth.
Mr. Thompson graduated from Elizabeth City State University in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in health, physical education, and recreation. He also earned a master's degree from Virginia State University in 1971. As a part of his continued commitments to collegiate-level sports, Mr. Thompson is a member of the American Tennis Association and the U.S. Tennis Association.
Honoring his decades of professional success, Mr. Thompson received many accolades, including a National Association of Basketball Coaches Achievement Award in 1978. He was named the Coach of the Year in Basketball and Tennis in 1978 and Track and Field in 1994. Furthermore, Mr. Thompson was also elected into several Hall of Fames, including the Delaware Afro-American Hall of Fame in Basketball in 2009, the Middle States/Delaware District Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Delaware Sports Museum Hall of Fame in Basketball, Tennis, and Track and Field in 2022. In response to his advocating for youth sports, he received the U.S. Tennis Association's National Community Service Award in 1998.
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