The Athletic Department announced on Thursday that Tufts graduate Cora Thompson (LA '99) will succeed Kris Talon as women's volleyball coach. Thompson had previously served as a graduate assistant for both the volleyball and softball teams for two years, before deciding to stay on this fall as an assistant coach.
Talon, who is also the softball coach, held the post for seven years. On four of those teams, Thompson was a member - as a defensive specialist who played an integral role on the 1996 squad that qualified for the NCAA Tournament. She also was a four-year starter at shortstop for the softball team, and made another three NCAA Tournament appearances with Talon as her coach. Then, after graduating from Tufts in 1999, Thompson stayed in Medford to earn her Master's degree in education.
Thompson inherits a program that has enjoyed success in the recent past, as evidenced by Tufts' four postseason berths in the last seven seasons. Talon compiled a 125-92 record during her tenure, and was recognized by both the NESCAC and the New England Volleyball Association as Coach of the Year in 1996. Overall, the squad is 384-225-1 in 21 seasons of competition. This fall, the Jumbos went 20-12 (7-3 NESCAC), and will graduate just two seniors.
Thompson is the ninth Tufts alum to join the Athletic Department, along with baseball coach John Casey ('80); squash coach Doug Eng ('84); Talon ('86); fencing coach Jason Sachs ('93); women's soccer coach Martha Whiting ('93); hockey coach Brian Murphy ('95); men's lacrosse coach Mike Daly ('95); and athletic director Bill Gehling ('74).
