Thompson's effort to unite campus leads to October Unsung Leader Award

Posted: Nov 03, 2020

By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – During this tumultuous time, student-athletes at Tennessee Tech and across the country have taken the initiative to have their voices heard. In doing so, many have become inspirations to others in standing up for what they believe in.

Jamaal Thompson, a junior defensive back on the Golden Eagle football, certainly fits in the inspirational role, uniting Tennessee Tech student-athletes, coaches, students and faculty in that quest.

Through his efforts, Thompson was a nearly unanimous choice for October's Unsung Leader Award.

"Jamaal has been instrumental in taking action in educating his teammates and fellow students about racial equality," said Tech head football coach Dewayne Alexander. "He has been a huge part in organizing and serving the Cookeville community through CODE (Center of Diversity Education). He also tutors other student-athletes and has a 4.0 GPA."

Most recently, Thompson helped organize a peaceful unity march on campus with student-athletes for equality on October 15. CODE is a student-athlete-led organization that promotes unity through diversity.

Our team was honored to march yesterday with our fellow students, staff, and faculty to promote unity, equality, and justice on our campus and in our community! Thank you to all who came out to support❗️✊�� #WingsUp �� pic.twitter.com/B1udu0Vt9j
— TTU Men's Basketball (@TTU_Basketball) October 16, 2020

@TTUWBB was proud to take part in today's peaceful Unity March on campus. Together, we can all make a difference in the fight for social justice and racial equality for all. pic.twitter.com/DWHtHvSui8
— Tennessee Tech Women's Basketball (@TTUWBB) October 15, 2020

The @TNTechFootball staff and team are very proud of @_OfficialJT_ @Tcarter2312 and all of the @TTUGoldenEagles student-athletes who worked so hard to organize the peaceful March for Equality today! ��✊��☝️❗️It was an honor to participate. #CODE pic.twitter.com/8DugweS3B9
— Dewayne Alexander Galatians 6:9 (@TTU_CoachA) October 15, 2020

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us today at the march. I am proud to have been apart of something so impactful, and I am so blessed to be apart of this Tennessee Tech family. A lot of love was spread today, and this was a beautiful step in the right direction��
— Jamaal Thompson (@_OfficialJT_) October 15, 2020

His efforts haven't gone unnoticed by other members of Tech's coaching family.

"We need to encourage, elevate and equip all student-athletes," said Golden Eagle men's basketball head coach John Pelphrey. "This young man is going above and beyond with his servant leadership."

Alexander continued, "Jamaal is a special young man. He is a man of action. He is a servant leader. I am honored to serve as his coach."

While the 2020-21 campaign hasn't started yet because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thompson started to make a name for himself for the Golden Eagles in 2019, playing in all 11 games. He recovered a fumble in last season's Football Bowl Subdivision contest against Miami (Ohio) and had three games with three tackles. He looks to be a major contributor this season when play resumes.

The Unsung Leader Award is selected from student-athletes, who have been nominated by their coaching staff, for exemplifying outstanding leadership qualities during the past month. The leadership can be shown on the field, in the weight room, at practice, in the classroom, in study hall, on campus, in the community or for a student club or organization.

The award honors a varsity student-athlete who has made a positive impact on their team and the Tennessee Tech community as a whole, through his or her dedication to demonstrating leadership traits, such as: