Tracy Thom was a student-athlete at WU from 1984 through 1988. She was a solid player for the soccer and basketball teams. Thom was a midfelder/forward who served a captain of the Willamette soccer team under Head Coach Ron Eber from 1986 until 1988. She helped the team develop into a regional and national power.

During the 1985 season, she scored seven goals and added one assist, as she earned First Team All-NCIC recognition. She also was Team MVP and was chosen First Team All-NAIA District 2. In 1986, she received Honorable Mention All-NAIA District 2 accolades. As a senior in 1987, she provided the Bearcats with three assists and was chosen First Team All-NCIC and First Team All-NAIA District 2. Also in 1987, she became the first WU player to earn a spot on the First Team All-Western Region squad. Thom was an NAIA Scholar-Athlete and was selected to receive the Jean Williams Award in 1987-88.

As a basketball player, Thom was a guard who achieved First Team All-NCIC and First Team All-NAIA District 2 honors as a senior. She was a starting guard for the Bearcats in 1985-86, 1986-87 and 1987-88, while playing for Head Coach Cheryl Brown. She was a team captain during her senior season.

In 1985-86, she contributed to Willamette achieving a 20-7 overall record, including an undefeated NCIC championship with a 10-0 mark. When she concluded her career, she ranked third on Willamette's all-time women's basketball scoring list. She was selected as the Willamette University Female Athlete of the Year in 1987-88.

Willamette shared two NCIC basketball titles and tied for another during Thom's years at Willamette. In 1984-85, WU went 22-8 overall and tied for the conference title at 9-2. Willamette's undefeated title followed in 1985-86. In 1986-87, the Bearcats finished 14-11 overall and tied for the NCIC crown with an 8-2 record.