Jophotography

A junior’s breakthrough season builds up to a girl’s basketball all-conference player of the year for Gianna Thompson, proving that patience and dedication can transform you from injury into a great performer.  

Thompson has played basketball as a point guard since she was in first grade, with her dad being one of her biggest inspirations. She has been playing in an AAU team and her school’s team ever since. 

While at East, Thompson has been a lead point guard for the varsity girls’ basketball team ever since she was a freshman. At 14 years old and standing at just 5 feet, 1 inch (this is especially eccentric for a Point Guard),  she was already stepping into the leadership role of captain, supporting teammates at all times on or off the court, staying committed to the sport, and being determined to win at every game. Thompson owns the court; she does not let her height get to her. She is full of grit and passionate about the game. 

Varsity Assistant Coach Michael Schmitt has coached girls’ basketball for ten years and has worked with Thompson for three years.  He has seen tremendous growth from her in those three years. 

“Through her hard work and commitment, Gianna sets a great example for everyone else. She is extremely physical, takes a beating during games and keeps getting up” said Schmitt

At the beginning of the 2025-2026 season, Thompson suffered an ankle sprain that caused her not to play the first month of the season. 

“It was a very humbling experience for me, having to sit out, do physical therapy and even wear a boot. Although I had to take the time to recover, I took the time to support my team, and still carry-out my leadership role as a captain. When I was back healthy, I was super grateful to play again” said Thompson. 

After her injury, Thompson came back stronger as a point guard. She came back tougher, fighting and beating other opponents during games with her extreme determination, which led to an All-Conference title. 

All-Conference is a well-respected honor awarded to the elite student-athletes in varying sports. The award is chosen by opposing coaches based on performance, and Thompson won the South Prairie award for East. 

And this is not the only accomplishment Thompson has achieved.

“My basketball accomplishments consist of: becoming captain for both my HS team and AAU team, getting All-Conference, All-Tournament, Defensive-Player-of-the-Season, Player-of-the-Game, making an All-Star team and scoring a game-winner against Plainfield Central HS”  said Thompson.

Even though Thompson is exceptionally talented in basketball, she does not want to pursue it as a career. She wants to attend a four-year out-of-state university to study physical education. 

“I’m passionate about teaching children about life-long health and building social-emotional skills in an engaging way,” said Thompson. 

Thompson had an amazing season this year and is looking forward to her senior year to be an influence on the incoming freshmen. 

Thompson’s advice to aspiring athletes: “Work hard in everything you do, because it truly pays off”.