About the Guest:
Lyndsey Thompson is a multi-sport athlete who excelled in basketball, volleyball, and track and field during her high school years at Fort Knox High School. Born into a military family, Lyndsey developed a strong sense of commitment to both country and athletics. Although she was an exceptional athlete, Lyndsey chose a career in the military over pursuing college sports and currently serves as a lieutenant colonel at Fort Knox, with over 20 years of service in the military.
Episode Summary:
This episode of Kentucky Sports Memories examines the life of Lyndsey Thompson, a distinguished athlete who ultimately chose a path of military service over a potential sports career. Lyndsey's journey from a high school athlete at Fort Knox to a high-ranking officer in the military showcases her commitment to service as well as her dynamic ability to excel in diverse fields. Her story is a compelling example of dedication and choices that balance personal passions with professional responsibilities.
Lyndsey's athletic prowess was evident during her time at Fort Knox High School, where she was recognized as an outstanding three-sport athlete in basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Despite her potential to play at the collegiate level, she opted to focus on her academics and a career in the military through ROTC at Western Kentucky University. Through this episode, Lyndsey's deliberation between continuing her sports journey and embracing a career in military service is highlighted, providing listeners with insights into the challenges and triumphs she faced in making such an important decision.
Key Takeaways:
Three-Sport Legend: Lyndsey Thompson excelled in basketball, volleyball, and track and field during high school, balancing her sports achievements with her commitment to academics.
Choosing Service: Despite offers from college coaches, Lyndsey declined in order to focus on building a stable military career, where she has served for over 20 years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Love The Game: The sports she played in high school remain important to Lyndsey, and she continues to participate in them recreationally. She hopes to get back in the game more frequently post-retirement!
Notable Quotes:
"Growing up, I was kind of clumsy, but as I grew and kind of matured, my body...you know, kind of veered towards the sports that I played...volleyball somehow just came naturally to me." — Lyndsey Thompson
"Sports in college is something different than sports in high school...it becomes a full-time job." — Lyndsey Thompson
"Every once in a while I'll go out there and kind of shoot around and play a little bit until things start to, you know, ache a little bit...I'm trying to get in the pool again and hopefully get these knees back together!" — Lyndsey Thompson
Join Gary Fogle as he continues to explore the stories behind the events and figures that have left a lasting mark on the world of sports in Kentucky. Listen to Lyndsey Thompson's experiences and choices that led to an esteemed career of service in the full KSM episode!
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