Skilled libero signs with Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Having developed into one of the top liberos in the Jayhawk Conference, Cowley College sophomore Erin Thompson recently signed a letter of intent to continue her education and volleyball career at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Cowley volleyball head coach Steven Gream recruited Thompson to come to Cowley while she was at Bryant High School and also played for 501 volleyball club. 

"I was a coach at USA Volleyball High Performance camp and saw this energetic and aggressive libero that just caught my eye," Gream said. "I knew then, that I wanted Erin to come to Cowley to play for our program. She had all the aspects that we look for in a libero in addition to her high energy, drive to succeed, leadership skills, and love for the game. We immediately began recruiting her and were fortunate to have her as part of our program. Coming to Cowley, she knew she had some learning and adjusting to do, but was humble, hungry to learn, and confident in herself to excel on a high stage. A born leader, her teammates and the coaching staff saw that in her and named her a team captain. SWOSU is getting a great volleyball player and leader that puts the team first while also working each day to improve her game and compete at a high level."

Thompson was named a Second-Team all-conference libero as a sophomore. She was also named the KJCCC Division II Defensive Player of the Week multiple times along with being named the best defensive player of the Triton Invitational Tournament.

For her career at Cowley, Thompson recorded 909 career digs at 4.00 digs per set. She helped the Lady Tigers win 41 matches in a row during the 2021 season and finish as the national runner-up.

"My time at Cowley has been some of the best times of my life," Thompson said. "I prayed really hard in high school that God would put me where I needed to be and I got so lucky with the people, my teammates and my coaches here at Cowley. I have learned amazing things from these girls and my coaches. Being their captain, friend, and teammate has been such an extreme honor and blessing. I appreciate the coaches for pushing me and accepting nothing less than my best every day. JUCO volleyball was an awesome experience, all glory to God for the opportunity."