GALESBURG, Ill. — Knox College Women's Basketball Head Coach Emily Carpenter announced the hiring of Kelsi Thompson to be her assistant coach for the 2025-26 campaign. She comes to Knox having served as the assistant girls' basketball coach at Galesburg High School for the past three years.

"I'm excited to welcome Kelsi to our staff, as she brings a lot of energy and leadership to our program," Carpenter commented. "She comes with a great background and familiarity within the area and community. I'm excited to work with Kelsi and continue to help develop and grow our women's basketball program together."

A member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, Thompson had numerous responsibilities at Galesburg, including helping with guard skill development as well as scouting and game planning, working on defensive strategy and development in practice, mentoring underclassmen and co-directing elementary school camps in the summer.

Thompson also worked as an internal substitute within the Galesburg Community Unit School District 205 at King Elementary (2022-23) and Silas Willard Elementary (2023-25).

In 2021, Thompson earned n associate's degree of general studies from Carl Sandburg College, then stayed on to receive an associate's degree in mortuary science two years later. She was also a member of the women's basketball team for three years, and in her final season, she averaged 7.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists over her 16 games on the court.

"I'm very excited for this new opportunity to be able to coach at the collegiate level," Thompson said. "I love the culture and atmosphere that Knox provides for its students and staff!"

Thompson lives in Galesburg with her husband, Chad Thompson, who is an assistant coach for the Prairie Fire men's basketball team.