By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

LAGRANGE – She’s put a lot into the sport over the years, and that diligence has paid off.

Troup High’s Jennifer Thompson, a goal keeper on the school’s soccer team, has signed a letter of intent to play the sport at South Georgia College in Douglas.

Thompson made it official last week during a ceremony at the school, with teammates, friends, coaches and family members there to celebrate the moment with her.

“This day, it’s about all of the hard work I’ve put in, all the dedication I’ve tried to put in over the past five years at Troup,” Thompson said. “It’s finally paid off.”

Thompson has been playing soccer in high school, as well as with the Troup Titans soccer club as she looked to improve her skills and hopefully attract the attention of some college programs.

Now, Thompson will get an opportunity to play the sport at a higher level.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” she said. “It’ll be a big change, and it’ll be great.”

Thompson said she was grateful to all of those who have helped her achieve this goal, including her coaches and family members, as well as her always supportive teammates.

“If it wasn’t for my loving teammates and friends helping me through every step of the way, I wouldn’t be standing in front of you today,” she said.

Charlie Sabens, one of Troup’s coaches, said Thompson has the mentality to succeed.

“Goal keeper, to some that’s probably the scariest position. To me, it’s the most difficult position on the field,” Sabens said. “You’ve got to have mental toughness.

“You’ve got to know the field, have patience, and you have to be a go-getter. All those attributes, Jen displays quite often on the field.”

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