Lincoln University of Missouri

The Lincoln University Blue Tigers softball team received a signed National Letter-of-Intent from Jessica Thompson of Kirksville, Mo., earlier this week.  Thompson, a right-handed pitcher will begin her career as a Blue Tiger in the fall of 2007.  

    “It’s great to get the addition of Jessica Thompson to our battery in the early signing period,” said softball head coach Lori Reyes.

   Thompson uses her 5-9 frame to deliver a multi-pitch arsenal which baffled opponents, who hit only .161 against her in the fall of 2006.  She led her Tiger team to a Final Four berth in Class 3 in 2006 and an overall record of 19-10.  Finishing off the regular season in Kirksville, Thompson hurled a no-hitter against North Central Missouri Conference rival Mexico on Oct. 2, 2006.  For the season Thompson went 19-6 with a 1.04 earned run average.  In 155 and a third innings, Thompson struck out 190 potential hitters and allowed only 37 walks. 

   “Anything can happen on the field,” said Thompson.  “I’m going to stay out there and do my best.”

   For all the success obtained by the Kirksville team this fall, Thompson was honored with

numerous individual awards; Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association Class 3 all-state second team, 2006 Kirksville Daily Express Softball Player of the Year, all-North Central Missouri Conference (2005, 2006), all-Class 3 Region 2 (Districts 5-8), all-Class 3 District 8 and Adair County YMCA Athlete of the Week

   “I’m very excited to add Jessica to our program, not only athletically, but as a standup young lady,” Reyes added.  “She will definitely help us in the circle.”

   Thompson played on Under-18 club softball teams with the Kirksville Katz and Missouri Renegades, based out of east central Missouri.

   She has also performed well in basketball, picking up recognition as a member of the KMZU Class 4 Girls 2005-06 team and an honorable mention selection to the Kirksville Daily Express all-Express team (2005-06).  Thompson averaged 8.1 points-per-game and 4.2 rebounds-per-game in her junior season for first-year head coach Kendall Ponder.

   “I think she’ll do great,” said Kim Belanger, Thompson’s high school softball coach of her former player’s chance at success on the collegiate level. 

   Thompson, who intends to major in Business is the daughter of Paulette and Bob Thompson. 

   The first pitch of the Blue Tigers 2007 season is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on February 20 when Lincoln University is to host Rockhurst (Mo.) University.