Tompkins returns to C-N as women’s GA
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Former Eagle goalkeeper Sarah Tompkins (Franklin, Wis.) has returned to Carson-Newman to be the new graduate assistant for the women’s soccer team.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Former Eagle goalkeeper Sarah Tompkins (Franklin, Wis.) has returned to Carson-Newman to be the new graduate assistant for the women's soccer team.
"We're really excited to have a former player back on board," Carson-Newman head soccer coach Richard Moodie said. "She is going to bring a lot of experience and knowledge to the program."
Tompkins redshirted her freshman year at Carson-Newman under head women's soccer coach Phil McNamara. The following two season, Tompkins earned a starting position.
"I am excited to be back where I started," Tompkins said. "It feels like home to me."
Tompkins made 125 saves her junior year saving 83 percent of the shots she faced, two percent above the conference average. That season, C-N out-saved its opponents 131 to 70 despite being outshot 303 to 208.
Only two C-N keepers rank above Tompkins in single season saves. Her single season record of 125 saves is the most C-N has seen since 1996, and is a mere 33 saves away from tying the third place individual career save record of 158.
That year, Tompkins earned All-Conference honors, Players' Player of the Year and Coaches' Player of the Year.
"I am looking forward to being involved in the growth of the women's program," Tompkins said, "as well as helping these ladies grow on and off the field."
Tompkins played in Division I of the NCAA for the University of Tennessee-Martin for her last two years of eligibility. Her team won the Ohio Valley Conference title both years she attended, and Tompkins made an appearance in the NCAA tournament her first season there.
"Sarah is bringing knowledge from UT Martin as well," Coach Moodie said, "and we have a good recruiting class for her to work with."
Tompkins went to Franklin High School in Wisconsin. While there, Tompkins led her team to three regional championships, was named MVP and was a two-time All-North Division selection.
"I am grateful to be given the opportunity," Tompkins said, "to coach under Richard with all the success he has had."
Tompkins graduated from UT Martin with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and will now be pursuing her Master's in Education at Carson-Newman.
"She's already been in the office getting ready for the season," Coach Moodie said. "We're excited to see what she's going to bring to the program this year."
