Thompson's effort to unite campus leads to October Unsung Leader Award
November 3, 2020

Thompson's effort to unite campus leads to October Unsung Leader Award

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – During this tumultuous time, student-athletes at Tennessee Tech and across the country have taken the initiative to have their voices heard. In doing so, many have become inspirations to others in standing up for what they believe in. Jamaal Thompson, a junior defensive back on the Golden Eagle football, certainly fits in the inspirational role, uniting Tennessee Tech student-athletes, coaches, students and faculty in that quest. Through his efforts, Thompson was a nearly unanimous choice for October's Unsung Leader Award.

By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – During this tumultuous time, student-athletes at Tennessee Tech and across the country have taken the initiative to have their voices heard. In doing so, many have become inspirations to others in standing up for what they believe in.

Jamaal Thompson, a junior defensive back on the Golden Eagle football, certainly fits in the inspirational role, uniting Tennessee Tech student-athletes, coaches, students and faculty in that quest.

Through his efforts, Thompson was a nearly unanimous choice for October's Unsung Leader Award.

"Jamaal has been instrumental in taking action in educating his teammates and fellow students about racial equality," said Tech head football coach Dewayne Alexander. "He has been a huge part in organizing and serving the Cookeville community through CODE (Center of Diversity Education). He also tutors other student-athletes and has a 4.0 GPA."

Most recently, Thompson helped organize a peaceful unity march on campus with student-athletes for equality on October 15. CODE is a student-athlete-led organization that promotes unity through diversity.

 

His efforts haven't gone unnoticed by other members of Tech's coaching family.

"We need to encourage, elevate and equip all student-athletes," said Golden Eagle men's basketball head coach John Pelphrey. "This young man is going above and beyond with his servant leadership."

Alexander continued, "Jamaal is a special young man. He is a man of action. He is a servant leader. I am honored to serve as his coach."

While the 2020-21 campaign hasn't started yet because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thompson started to make a name for himself for the Golden Eagles in 2019, playing in all 11 games. He recovered a fumble in last season's Football Bowl Subdivision contest against Miami (Ohio) and had three games with three tackles. He looks to be a major contributor this season when play resumes.

The Unsung Leader Award is selected from student-athletes, who have been nominated by their coaching staff, for exemplifying outstanding leadership qualities during the past month. The leadership can be shown on the field, in the weight room, at practice, in the classroom, in study hall, on campus, in the community or for a student club or organization.

The award honors a varsity student-athlete who has made a positive impact on their team and the Tennessee Tech community as a whole, through his or her dedication to demonstrating leadership traits, such as:

  1. Keep learning, growing and improving
  2. Follow through with excellence
  3. Accomplish more than expected
  4. Inspire and motivate others.