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Lili Thompson went from being a Lady Wolf to being on the world-famous Globetrotters, and she returned to where it started to encourage students to follow their dreams.
Thompson graduated from Timberview High School in 2013. During her tenure, she was the leading point guard on a winning team, member of the debate team and member of the student council. She went on to have a standout college basketball career at Notre Dame and Stanford University.
All the while, her eyes were set on something bigger—going pro. She accomplished that when she was drafted by the Harlem Globetrotters in November as one of only two female players to be selected.
“I always wanted to be a professional basketball player, and I always wanted to use basketball as a vehicle to take me places in life, both physically and in terms of opportunities, and it’s done that,” said Thompson. “The Globetrotters have an amazing legacy, and I’m really proud to step in and be part of it.”
Thompson, also known as Champ, made her way back to her former high school to motivate them to aspire for something greater and never give up. She said she also wanted to show her support of the Timberview girls basketball team for being top-ranked and undefeated in its district.
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| "Champ" shows students her basketball spin trick. |
The rookie Globetrotter noted that her time at Timberview High School shaped a lot of habits that propelled her to success, such as working hard, being disciplined, having time management skills and utilizing good communication skills.
Head girls basketball coach Kit Martin was in attendance at the assembly. She said she wanted students to take Thompson’s story and apply it in their lives.
“You hope that they can see that there is going to be a future, regardless of what it is, once they walk out these doors and they’re done,” said Martin. “It should be limitless. It should be without a ceiling to dream for whatever they want. Lili is a perfect example of that, and coming back gives them that tangible goal that they can look out and say, ‘Hey, if she can come from here and do that, then I can do whatever it is that I set out to do.’”
Globetrotter teammate Zeus McClurkin accompanied Thompson to the assembly, where they both showed off their ball handling skills. The Harlem Globetrotters are in town through Nov. 25 as part of its Fan Powered World Tour.