Bio

The Connors State College Athletic Department named Jaylen Thompson as Head Women’s Basketball Coach on August 5, 2024. Thompson is entering his third season leading the Cowgirls program.

In his first season at Connors State, Thompson guided the Cowgirls to a 13-18 overall record and a 10-7 conference mark while advancing to the semifinals of the OCAC Tournament in 2025. During the 2025-26 season, the Cowgirls finished 7-20 and reached the quarterfinal round of the OCAC Tournament.

Prior to arriving at Connors State, Thompson spent four seasons as the head coach at East Central High School, a Class 5A program in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During his tenure, he helped transform the Lady Cardinals program, nearly doubling the team’s win total during the 2022-23 season and significantly increasing participation. What began as a program with just six players in his first year grew to 19 players by his fourth season, reflecting the culture and foundation he established.

Thompson also served on the men’s basketball staff at Bethel College, where he completed his collegiate playing career. As an assistant coach, he oversaw guard development for the varsity team and served as head coach of the reserve squad. During the 2019-20 season, Bethel won 20 games and advanced to the conference tournament for the first time since 2008. The Threshers also earned their first conference tournament victory in a decade and recorded their highest win total since the 2004-05 season. Thompson’s reserve team posted an impressive 14-2 conference record against KCAC reserve opponents.

As a player, Thompson was a point guard at Bethel College after beginning his collegiate career at Southern Nazarene University. A graduate of East Central High School, Thompson was a member of the school’s 2012 State Runner-Up basketball team before graduating in 2013.

Beyond the college ranks, Thompson has built a strong reputation in the AAU basketball community. He previously served as Assistant Director for Team Trae Young on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit while also coaching the organization’s 16U and 17U national teams. Throughout his AAU coaching career, he has helped more than 25 student-athletes earn collegiate scholarships at various levels. Thompson also founded Kansas Grind Elite and has coached AAU basketball for more than seven seasons. He currently serves as Director of Midwest Hustle Elite, a UA Rise program dedicated to the development and exposure of young female athletes.

Thompson earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Bethel College. He has been married to his wife, Megan, since 2017. Together, they have four children: Paighton, Parker, Presley, and Princeton.

COnnors State Record under Thompson