2 weeks Ago
DEXTER – Lauren Thompson has decided it is time for her to step away from the game of basketball. After nearly two decades as a coach in the Dexter girls program, and the last six as head coach, Thompson is retiring from coaching. Thompson sent a statement to the Dexter basketball families on Monday and told MLive-The Ann Arbor News via email on Wednesday.
“I’ve made the heartfelt decision to retire from coaching high school girls basketball,” Thompson said in her email to the Dexter basketball families. “This choice hasn’t come easily. “Basketball has been a central part of my life for nearly two decades, shaping not only my schedule, but also the rhythm of my family’s life—vacations, holidays, and countless evenings spent in gyms.
” Thompson cited personal reasons — more specifically, her son attending college overseas in the fall — as the motivation to step down, she told MLive-The Ann Arbor News. Thompson turned the Dreadnaughts into a consistent Division 1 program during her tenure as she guided them to three conference titles and a school record three consecutive district crowns in her final three seasons. Thompson earned her 100th career win in Dexter’s district championship victory in early March and ended her career as head coach at 100-37.
She led Dexter to an 18-7 record and a share of the SEC-Red championship during the 2024-25 season. Assistant coaches Riley McDonald and Erica Ehinger are also stepping down from their positions, though Thompson said the trio are willing to help the new coaching staff transition into their roles. As of this article’s publication, a new coaching staff has not been announced.
“Thank you for your support, your trust, and for sharing your daughters with us,” Thompson said in her email response. “We’ve had the absolute privilege of coaching some of the most amazing young women, and we are incredibly proud of everything this program has accomplished over the past six years. “.
..We’ll always be proud supporters of this program, and you’ll still see us in the stands, wearing our Dreadnaught gear and cheering loudly.
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