Thompson was a defender on the Willamette women’s soccer team from 1995 through 1998. During her career, she helped the Bearcats earn a combined record of 75-11-6 while winning four conference titles and reaching the NCAA Division III Semifinals in 1998.

She was named Honorable Mention All-America in 1996 and 1997, when Willamette competed in the NAIA.

In addition, she was the first woman to play and score in a college football game on Oct. 18, 1997, when she successfully kicked two extra points on two attempts in a 27-0 win over Linfield College. She also played against Southern Oregon University, but did not score. She appeared on the Today Show in addition to numerous other interviews. Her accomplishments are highlighted at the College Football Hall of Fame.

After graduating from Willamette, she earned a doctorate in optometry. She is an optometrist in Richland, Wash., where she has been an assistant women’s soccer coach at the high school level.

Thompson also is in the Willamette Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1997 football team and the 1998 women’s soccer team.