Bob Thompson Joins Eagles As Associate Head Coach
August 03, 2018 | Men's Soccer
Former BC standout, assistant returns to the Heights
Thompson played for the Eagles from 1999-2002, helping the program to two Big East championships, three NCAA Tournament appearances, an NCAA Elite 8 appearance and the still-school record 18-win season in 2002, and also spent two seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at BC from 2012-2013. Thompson, who played three seasons of professional soccer following college, returns to BC after serving as a coach at UMass Lowell for four seasons, the last as associate head coach.
"My wife and I are extremely grateful for the opportunity to return to Boston College," said Thompson. "BC has influenced my life in so many positive ways as a student-athlete and as a coach, and this opportunity feels like coming home again. I am also excited to have another chance to work with Coach Kelly who has helped shape my life tremendously both as a coach and as a mentor."
During his four seasons with the River Hawks, Thompson helped guide the men's soccer program from 192 in the National Ranking to as high as No. 3 in the NCAA RPI and No. 11 in the NSCAA Poll in 2016. The River Hawks finished the season with a 13-1-2 record, the best in program history, and were crowned America East Conference Champions. The 2016 season also culminated with the team being honored with a number of awards including America East Coaching Staff of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Striker of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. Thompson and the River Hawks coaching staff were also named NSCAA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year. The team also saw three players named to the NSCAA All-Region team and one player, Wuilito Fernandes, named as First Team All-American. Wuilito was also selected in the 2017 MLS Draft.Â
Prior to UMass Lowell, Thompson spent two seasons in the ACC as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at his alma mater. In 2012, Thompson helped guide the Eagles to an NSCAA National Ranking of as high as No. 18 in the nation, and the Eagles advanced to both the ACC tournament and the NCAA tournament. The 2012 season also saw two players from the Eagles senior class drafted in the first round of the MLS. Kyle Bekker was drafted third overall by Toronto FC while Charlie Rugg was drafted 18th overall by the LA Galaxy.
While recruiting coordinator at the Heights, Thompson helped bring in two very talented classes in 2013 and 2014, highlighted by Zeiko Lewis who was named ACC Rookie of the Year in 2013. Zeiko Lewis' stellar career at the Heights culminated in him being named an NSCAA All-American as a senior and being drafted in the first round of the MLS Super Draft in 2017. Thompson's two recruiting classes also played a major role in the team's run to the NCAA Elite 8 in 2015.
Prior to Boston College, Thompson spent two seasons as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Tufts University where he played a major role in a historic turnaround. In 2011, after only two seasons, the Jumbos jumped from a record of 2-10-2 the season prior to Thompson's arrival, to a record of 9-3-2 and a National ranking of as high as #14. In 2014, while Thompson was coaching at UMass Lowell, the Jumbos completed the historic turnaround, winning the Division III NCAA National Championship. Thompson's two recruiting classes played a vital role in the National Championship run, including Sam Williams who was named First Team NSCAA All-American and Gus Santos who was named the MVP of the National Final.
Before Tufts, Thompson spent three seasons at Northeastern University where he helped guide the Huskies to three consecutive conference tournament births, including two conference finals appearances.
As a player, Thompson ranks among the BC greats as he was named as an NSCAA Honorable Mention All-American his senior year and was twice named Big East Tournament MVP in 2000 and 2002. Thompson finished his career at Boston College in the top 10 in school history in a number of categories, and his team's finished with 2 Big East Championships, 1 Big East Regular Season Championship, 3 NCAA Appearances, an NCAA Elite 8 Appearance, and the most wins in school history with 18.
Thompson, who graduated from BC in 2003, played three seasons of professional soccer following college, including two seasons in the MLS with the New England Revolution. Thompson holds a UEFA B coaching license with the Irish Football Federation, and holds an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.Â
He resides in Berlin, Mass. with his wife Emily, and his two children, William and Anna.Â
"I look forward to the opportunity to help lead the men's soccer program to a bright future, and my wife and I look forward to serving the Boston College community."
