By Derrick Smith

Throughout the career of an athlete, there are moments that they will never forget. This could be winning a championship, reaching a personal milestone, or just making a big play for their team in an important game. For Tonkawa’s Jules Thompson, it would be the latter. 

“The highlight of my career so far is my junior year at our regional semifinals,” she said. “I hit a grand slam with two outs to tie up the game. This gave us the opportunity to win that game and then become the regional runner-up. It was a really great feeling.”

Thompson is a senior at Tonkawa High School, where she plays first base for the school’s softball team. Jules first started playing softball thirteen years ago. 

There have been a variety of people that she says have helped her become the person and the player that she is today. 

“I have had some great role models for my life,” Thompson said. “My dad was the first coach that I ever had and to this day he is still my biggest cheerleader. My mom has always been there supporting me in everything I do, from taking me to my games to washing the stains out of my uniform. Another one has been my Papa because he was always there for me and was one of my many supporters. We lost him this past year but I know he is with me on the field and life. Lastly, all of my current and past coaches and teammates have pushed me and helped me get to where I am today.”

As a student in the classroom, Jules says that there is one teacher that has made a big impact on her life. 

“My favorite teacher is also is my ‘school mom’,” she said. “Mrs. Heinrich teaches English but she has taught me much more than that. She has taught all of us that she will love you and support you like you are her own kid.”

Thompson is also a member of the National Honor Society.