Ariel Thompson was hired as assistant coach for the UTEP Softball program in September of 2024. She oversees the development and management of the Miners' pitching staff. Thompson brought an impressive background to the Sun City as a standout pitcher during her collegiate career at Grand Canyon and North Texas.
During her two seasons at Grand Canyon, Thompson was a dominant force in the circle. In her senior season (2023), she was named to the All-WAC Second Team and earned WAC All-Academic honors. She posted a 2.42 ERA with a 12-3 record, amassing 84 strikeouts across 115.2 innings pitched in 30 appearances. Thompson's performance included a shutout against Green Bay and a key outing in a combined shutout versus Montana. She also pitched 2.1 innings in the first-round victory over #2 UCLA in the NCAA West Regional.
As a junior (2022), Thompson earned All-WAC First Team honors and was named Tournament MVP. She etched her name into the Grand Canyon record books, ranking first in single season wins with 21. She finished the season with a 2.70 ERA, 135 strikeouts, and five shutouts, including a no-hitter against Seattle U. Thompson's efforts helped lead the Lopes to success in the WAC Tournament and an NCAA postseason appearance.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management and a Master of Science in Leadership from GCU.
Thompson began her collegiate career at North Texas, where she was a recipient of multiple Conference USA academic honors. As a sophomore (2021), she posted a 1.97 ERA with a 2-0 record and 31 strikeouts in 21.1 innings pitched. She held opponents to a .190 batting average and earned a save. During her freshman year (2020), Thompson made 12 appearances, recording a 2-1 record with a 3.20 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 35.0 innings. She made an immediate impact, earning her first career save in her collegiate debut and tossing a complete game in her first collegiate start.
Thompson was a standout at Sequoyah High School, where she led her team to the regionals in her senior year. She earned multiple honors, including 2018 VYPE National Player of the Week and All-District Player of the Year. Thompson was also named All-State starting pitcher and was a finalist for the 2019 All-World Softball award. She graduated as the Class of 2019 Valedictorian.
