Lewis-Clark State College Athletics

Now entering his 14th season as the head coach of the Warrior golf program, Paul Thompson has brought the Warriors to the forefront of the Frontier Conference, and has made the trip to the NAIA national tournament more of an expectation than a hope.

Thompson has led the men’s team to nine conference titles in the last 13 years, starting in his first season in 2002-03. After the Warriors finished second in 2003-04, the program won three straight titles followed by titles in 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2012-13 and again last season, in 2014-15. The men's team has qualified for nationals five times under Thompson, and had a program-best fifth-place finish in 2010-11.

Under his watch, the women have competed at nationals nine times and have won six Frontier Conference titles. After a three-year absence, the women returned to the national field for the third consecutive year in 2014-15, but missed the cut, finishing 23rd overall.

Thompson also mentored his fourth All-American in 2014, as senior Heather Bruce was chosen as a first-teamer following the season.

In 2014-15, both men’s and women’s teams won Frontier Conference titles and automatic bids to nationals. The Warriors took home several conference awards, earning men’s freshman of the year (Isaiah Ojeda), two men’s first-team all-conference selections and five women’s all-conference honors. Thompson was also named men’s coach of the year for the seventh time.

In 2012-13, both men’s and women’s programs won Frontier Conference titles and automatic berths to nationals. The Warriors cleaned up at the conference awards, earning Women’s Golfer of the Year (Heather Bruce) and the Men’s Freshman of the Year (Rylee Iacolucci) awards.

Senior Jason Molner was also an All-Conference and All-Region selection.

Thompson was named the Frontier Conference Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s divisions following the 2012-13 season. It’s his sixth honor with the men and second as women’s coach. He also was honored by the Golf Coaches Association as its Regional Coach of the Year in 2010-11.

Thompson's retirement from his position as Vice President of Pepsi Cola in Lewiston 12 years ago opened the door of opportunity to pursue collegiate coaching. With 39 years of experience in the business world, he has a strong background in fundraising and management.

A resident of Clarkston, Wash., Thompson has been married to his wife Judy for 49 years. They have four children -- Polly, Tami, Todd, and Scott.