37  Phil Thompson Position: Volunteer Assistant Experience: First Season

Phil Thompson is in his second year of working with Ritch Price and first serving as KU's Volunteer Assistant Coach. Thompson works primarily with the team's outfielders and will serve as the first base coach during games. Last season, he served as KU's Director of Baseball Operations, working primarily with the team's various skills camps throughout the year. He will continue to coordinate the team's camps this season.

Thompson spent the previous three years working with the San Diego Waves, a summer league team which utilizes collegiate players. Thompson served as the hitting coach for one year, and then the team's manager for the two seasons. During his time with the Waves, he coached former Jayhawks Buck Afenir, Brett Bochy, Nick Faunce and Thomas Marcin.

Thompson played professional baseball for the Sioux City Explorers and Gary Railcats of the Northern League and ended his playing career with the Kansas City T-Bones in 2004. He played two seasons for Price at Cal Poly, where was named the team's defensive player of the year in 2001. Thompson started his collegiate career at Palomar Junior College in San Marcos, Calif.

Thompson is a graduate of Ashford University with a bachelor's degree in business organization. He currently lives in Overland Park, Kan., with his wife, Amanda.