Corey Thompson: The Homecoming King of Winston-Salem State University Basketball

Corey Thompson, the new head coach of Winston-Salem State University men’s basketball team

When Corey Thompson took the boys basketball head coaching job at St. Pauls in 2016, the Lumberton native returned to his roots. Now, he’s taking a big step and a next-level opportunity, doing so again in a different way. Thompson was named the men’s basketball head coach at Winston-Salem State University, his alma mater, the school announced Tuesday.

“It’s been a lot of sleepless nights, pinching myself and saying ‘is this actually real, are we going back home?’ And I’m so delighted to be the new men’s basketball coach. It’s a great day to be a Ram.” - Corey Thompson

Thompson replaces Cleo Hill Jr., who had coached the Rams since 2018 before he was named head coach at Division-I Maryland Eastern Shore last month. Hill led WSSU to two CIAA championships.

A Familiar Face in a New Role

Thompson played at Winston-Salem State from 1998-2002. He met his wife, Kesi, during his time as a student at the school. The Rams are a frequent nonconference opponent of UNC Pembroke.

“This is very welcoming, especially being a former student-athlete here and an alum, and to come back home is very fulfilling for me. Just to be back in this community, I am extremely happy.” - Corey Thompson

Etienne Thomas, the school’s athletic director, said at Tuesday’s announcement, “That’s what I was looking for, that person who will continue to graduate champions at WSSU, a partner, someone who can see beyond men’s basketball and see the institution, the academy of who we are. Someone who can appreciate the legacy and history here. We had many candidates in the pool, many he had a story to tell, but you know it when you hear it, you know it when you see it.”

A Proven Track Record

A Lumberton High School alumnus, Thompson compiled a 139-72 overall record at St. Pauls with a 79-29 mark in conference play. The Bulldogs have won three conference championships during his tenure and reached the state playoffs every year, including six second-round appearances, two third-round berths, and a run to the fourth round in 2022.

Winston-Salem State University, where Corey Thompson played from 1998-2002

Last season, St. Pauls was 13-15 overall and 4-6 in the Southeastern Athletic Conference, the first time a Thompson-led Bulldogs team has had a losing record either overall or in conference play; nonetheless, St. Pauls advanced to the Southeastern tournament championship, which it lost to top-seeded West Bladen in overtime, and reached the first round of the 2A state playoffs.

Thompson made a point during Tuesday’s news conference to thank his St. Pauls co-workers and administration for their support.

A New Chapter Begins

Thompson previously served as an assistant coach at UNC Pembroke for five seasons and at Fayetteville State for three seasons. He played at Winston-Salem State from 1998-2002.

As Thompson begins his new chapter as the head coach of Winston-Salem State University men’s basketball team, he’s sure to bring his expertise and passion to the program. With his proven track record and familiarity with the university, Thompson is poised to lead the Rams to success in the CIAA.

Corey Thompson, the new head coach of Winston-Salem State University men’s basketball team, in action