COACH HONORED ‘Mama Thig’ to be inducted into Sports Hall of Fame

By BY JILLIAN ALLISON Contributing Writer

TRI-LAKES AREA — Rhonda Thigpen, or “Mama Thig” as she is known by those close to her, has run out of places in Arkadelphia where she can make an impact through volleyball.

The 1978 Ouchita Baptist University graduate spent 10 years as the head volleyball coach at Arkadelphia High School before moving up to the college ranks.

Her lifetime of achievements will be honored in February when she will be among the 2010 class of Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame inductees.

It was the fall of 1990 when Thigpen made her move from Arkadelphia High School to become head coach for the Henderson State University Lady Reddies.

In her 10 years with the Lady Badgers, Thigpen led the team to seven district titles, five state championships and had a team earn a spot in USA Today’s Top 40 national ranking.

Thigpen was named Arkansas High School Coach of the Year in 1985, ‘86 and ‘89 and led the Lady Badgers to a commanding 68 win streak, a state record, with an overall record of 271-30, but all of that was in the past as the wildly successful high-school coach made the move into college ball. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette named Thigpen the Girls Coach of the Year in 1989 as well.

“I loved coaching high school and I remember that when I first got the job [the team] was losing,” Thigpen wrote. “I thought back to my high school team, which had just finished up 30-0.”

Thigpen wondered if moving up to the college ranks was the right decision when her father asked her something she vows never to forget.

“Didn’t you pray about it?” he said. “Didn’t you feel like you were supposed to take the HSU job?”

He was right, Thigpen had prayed and wrote that she felt coming to Henderson was the right choice and that her father’s words only nudged her thinking and helped her to regain focus as she took on her first group of collegiate players.

“The first group had to learn my philosophy and style,” Thigpen said. “They were the ones who helped build this program and started people believing in me over here; I appreciate that.”

Since becoming head coach of the Lady Reddies, Thigpen has coached teams to three NAIA tournament berths, two NAIA Fi-nal Four showings, the program’s only NCAA tournament play and two Gulf South Conference Championships.

“I love coaching. ... I love to win,” Thigpen said. “I love competition and teaching people to compete in life.”

By her second season with the Lady Reddies, Thigpen was named the American International College (AIC) Coach of the Year.

In her third season at Henderson, Thigpen led her players to the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference title and the District 17 Championship. This 1992 team went 48-12 and advanced to the NAIA National semifinals; it was the first time in the history of the program. Thigpen also received the AIC Coach of the Year award for the second year in a row.

Although the ’93 team was in a probationary phase of advancement to NCAA Division II (DII) and was ineligible to play for the NCAA, the Lady Reddies started their first year in the GSC with a 48-8 record and a set a GSC record with 40 wins. The streak ranks fourth overall in NCAA Division II history.

Despite qualifying for the GSC tournament, Thigpen opted out of that tournament for a final shot at an NAIA championship and led her team to the Final Four in the NAIA for the second year in a row. The next two years, the Lady Reddies would win backto back GSC Championships. Thigpen would also be named the GSC Coach of the Year for both the ’94 and ’95 seasons.

During the ’96 season, Thigpen’s Lady Reddies would come in second at the championships, but the squad still finished the season as the west division champions. The team would shoot back to the top of the GSC the next year.

The 2000 and 2001 teams would win the West Division Title with the ‘01 squad competing in the program’s first NCAA postseason tournament. Thigpen was once again awarded the GSC Coach of the Year in 2001. The following year, Thigpen was inducted into the Reddie Hall of Honor.

The Lady Reddies would continue their streak of GSC Tournament appearances until 2005; this was the first time since joining the GSC that Henderson had not qualified for the postseason in the GSC.

Thigpen led her team back to the GSC tournament in 2006, but the team was ousted in their first game against West Florida.

“I appreciate ALL the gals that have played for me at the high school, the college, who gave so much to my program with their heart,” Thigpen wrote. “I think those are the brightest moments, remembering all of them and what they have done for the program and given.”

Thigpen began her coaching career in Texas as the head volleyball coach at New Boston High School.

In her two years with the district, Thigpen led the team to its first district championship and was responsible for starting a women’s basketball program.

As for the pending induction, Thigpen gives that credit to God and those around her.

“To God be the glory,” she said. “I give him credit. Also, great family, great players through the years, great staff and great friends to support you through.”

Thigpen wrote how she owed a special thanks to her children, a son, Zane, and a daughter, Sealy, her husband, HSU Associate Athletic Director David Thigpen, her parents, who taught her so much about winning and still come down to every home match they can, and her church, Trinity Temple Assembly of God.

“To my wonderful children, Zane and Sealy, who have grown up in the gyms watching many a game [their] parents coached,” Thigpen said. “They are the best trophies that I have ever won. A special thanks to my very supportive husband who works tirelessly behind the scenes to support and work for the family and the program.”

Thigpen inspires more than just her players and children to always strive for their best, she and her team participate in numerous community activities.

Thigpen takes time to give back to the community by reading to local elementary students, coaching numerous youth teams and serving as a sponsor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also teaches Sunday school and the “Youth Missionettes” at her church.

“Thanks to my church for lifting me up in prayer through the good years and the bad years,” Thigpen said.

Thigpen feels honored to have a “great group to work with on my team this year.” She went on to say how she feels that this year’s team has gotten Henderson back in the GSC race and given respect back to the tradition she has worked so hard to build.

The Lady Reddies will return to the GSC tournament Friday and Saturday for the first time since 2007.

Henderson State Sports Information Director Troy Mitchell said the only seasons the Lady Reddies have not qualified for inclusion into the GSC tournament were in 2005 and 2008.

The Lady Reddies will travel to Searcy for the tournament; this year the GSC tourney will be hosted by West Division Champions Harding University’s Lady Bisons.

Despite such a successful record, Thigpen does not let all the awards and accolades go to her head, she said that each game is tough and she only strives for a best effort. This is something she instills in those around her off the court as well.

“My daughter ran for an office at school recently, she went all out and I went all out for her,” Thigpen said.

Thigpen said despite her daughter not winning the election, Sealy was not upset because she knew she had done all she could to garner enough votes for the win.

This is the attitude she stresses to her players and those she comes in contact with: to compete, give your best efforts and be satisfied with the outcome.

Thigpen is the fourth coach in the program’s 26 years, and as of press time had compiled a record of 449-300 in the 19 years since becoming the head volleyball coach at Henderson. She is the all-time career win holder for volleyball in the GSC and is ranked 14th in wins overall for active NCAA coaches.

“I am very thankful to the fans that have supported me and the program over the years as well as the coverage,” Thigpen said.

Thigpen and nine others will travel to North Little Rock to be inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame’s 2010 class on Friday, Feb. 19. The event will be held at Verizon Arena.

Tri-Lakes, Pages 137 on 11/08/2009