Germantown Academy’s head coach of men’s and women’s swimming, Jeff Thompson, has announced that he will leave Germantown Academy at the end of the current school year. Thompson, a highly decorated coach, has significantly impacted the GA swim program during his 11 seasons, leading the teams to seven Inter-Ac titles and six undefeated seasons.
Under Coach Thompson’s leadership, the program has produced 47 All-Inter-Academic League swimmers, 35 All-Americans, and 45 Eastern Individual Champions. The Varsity Swimming team has gained a national reputation for success, competitiveness and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Reflecting on his time at GA, Thompson emphasized the importance of the relationships he has built.
“GA will be about the relationships that I’ve formed while I’ve been here, along with the relationships that my kids have had the opportunity to build with their friends,” Coach Thompson said.
Coach Thompson’s dedication is evident in his commitment to the swim program and school, as he spends up to 13 hours a day, six to seven days a week, coaching, teaching, and mentoring his student-athletes. His absence will certainly leave a lasting impression on everyone he has worked with.
Despite the sadness that goes along with leaving, Coach Thompson is optimistic about the future of GA Swimming.
“Germantown Academy deserves the best. The kids here deserve the best,” Coach Thompson said. “Like any kids at any school, you want the best for the program that the kids are a part of.”
The GA Athletics Department is currently searching for Coach Thompson’s replacement. Athletic director Mr. Tim Ginter and Head of school Mr. Rich Schellhas have stated that they will take finding a suitable replacement very seriously.
Coach Thompson is credited for his ability to foster an environment that feels like family. Additionally, many athletes have expressed their appreciation for Thompson’s mentorship.
“I’ve been on the Germantown Academy swim team ever since I was six years old, so I’ve known Jeff for a very long time,” Sophia Song ‘27 said. “I think Jeff’s a very nice guy. He really brings the entire swim team together. Last year, I swam for the Germantown Academy senior swim team, and I could really feel his energy every single day at practice. He really did a great job at motivating us each day.”
As the GA community prepares for this transition, there is a mix of sadness for Coach Thompson’s departure and excitement for the next chapter of the swim team.
Coach Thompson is praised for being a coach who not only cares for athletic performance but also fosters personal growth.
Thompson’s ability to motivate and his enthusiastic approach regardless of people’s mood is a key factor to the success of his swimmers and students.
“It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, it doesn’t matter where you are in GA, it doesn’t matter if you swim or not,” GA swim team alum Landon D’Ariano ‘24 said. “Jeff is always excited to see you as long as he knows who you are. And that’s what makes him super special.”
Beyond athletics, Coach Thompson has made it clear that his mission is to create not only good swimmers, but better people.
He has emphasized repeatedly that the friendships and relationships you make during your four years of high school are ones that are truly special. One of Coach Thompson’s hopes for his swimmers is to have a relationship with them even after the end of their high school career.
“Jeff is so much more than a coach,” D’Ariano said. “He’s like, one of my best friends, which is weird to say, but I mean I’m in college now and I’m still super close with Jeff.”
Coach Thompson’s departure marks the end of an era for the Germantown Academy swim program. An era defined by extraordinary achievements and personal connections. Over his 11 seasons, Thompson has created an environment of growth, camaraderie and passion. Ultimately, while the pool deck will feel his absence, the lessons learned and the relationships formed will continue to inspire the next generation of swimmers at Germantown Academy.