Former Clemson Standout Gets Coaching Gig

A former Clemson standout has joined this softball program’s coaching staff.

On Monday, Jacksonville University Softball announced the hiring of Millie Thompson as the team’s new graduate assistant.

A pitcher for Clemson from 2021-24, Thompson was a three-time All-ACC selection and earned numerous academic accolades as well.

You can see the full news release from Jacksonville University Assistant AD for Athletic Communications Alex Kerstetter on the hiring of Thompson below:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University softball head coach Erica Ayers has announced the hiring of Millie Thompson as the team’s new graduate assistant.

“Millie will be a great asset to our program,” said Ayers. “She brings high level pitching experience and knowledge to assist Coach H with our young staff. She’ll also be able to throw to our hitters in preparation for games. Her personality, desire to impact others and love for the game is the perfect fit here at JU.”

A standout pitcher from Clemson University, Thompson excelled both academically and athletically, earning numerous accolades while demonstrating exceptional performance on the field. She was a consistent presence on the All-ACC Academic Team, the ACC Honor Roll, and has been recognized as a CSC Academic All-District and Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete. Her athletic achievements are equally impressive, being named Third Team All-ACC for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024).

In the 2024 season, Thompson appeared in 28 games, starting 11, and recorded 75 strikeouts over 91.0 innings while allowing only 12 extra-base hits. Key highlights include securing her first victory of the season against Indiana, striking out a season-high eight batters against Mercer, and throwing a complete game against North Carolina. Her previous seasons were equally notable: in 2023, she maintained a 1.82 ERA through 92.1 innings with a 14-3 record and 72 strikeouts, and in 2022, she achieved a 1.58 ERA through 27 appearances, including throwing two solo no-hitters. In her freshman year, she earned a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team, finishing with a 9-1 record and a 2.05 ERA.

“I am so excited to work with the incredible coaches and talented players here at JU,” said Thompson on her hiring. “They have been welcoming and helpful throughout the process of me taking this next step in my life and career. I can truly tell they care and have a family atmosphere here, which is very important to me. I can’t wait to learn and grow, build relationships and to be apart of the daily grind and preparation. I am so excited to be a Dolphin and very grateful for this amazing opportunity.”

The Dolphins wrapped up a 2024 season that saw them boast the second most conference wins in program history. The team returns talented pitchers and batters alike and looks to build off the momentum that was created a season ago.