Embarking on season No. 11, Thompson expresses gratitude for Plainsman Park’s recent renovations.
“It’s here,” Thompson said. “We finally put that energy in the ballpark where it’s uncomfortable for opponents. I’ve fallen in love with Auburn baseball. It’s been a home run.”
Quick to credit staff stability for Auburn’s success, Thompson thanked associate head coaches Karl Nonemaker and Gabe Gross for their loyalty.
“They’ve been incredible,” Thompson said. “Both have opportunities to be head coaches. Both love Auburn. They’ve continued to choose Auburn.”
In an upcoming Talking Tigers podcast with Andy Burcham, Thompson also saluted pitching coach Everett Teaford, director of player development Scott Foxhall, director of sports performance CJ Joyner, athletic trainer Anthony Sandersen and director of operations Greg Drye, who’s been with Thompson since day one.
“His loyalty over these 10 years every day has been amazing,” Thompson said of Drye. “He’s one of the best examples of what it looks like of somebody who puts their head down trying to make a difference. I love that quality about Greg.”
Another veteran staffer, special assistant to the head coach Sara Elizabeth Jackson, began working for the program during her senior year before graduating from Auburn University in 2020.
“She is the voice of our program and the face of our program in a lot of instances,” said Thompson, who calls associate director of communications George Nunnelley, in his ninth season promoting and publicizing Auburn’s baseball program, “a trusted confidante.”
Deputy AD for external affairs Rhett Hobart, the administrator for Auburn baseball, helps turn Thompson’s facilities dreams into realities.
“You have to have amazing people with amazing vision,” Thompson said.