When the 2023–24 school year concluded at the end of May, seniors completed one phase of life and prepared for the next. For many student-athletes, such as West Jordan High School’s Matt Thompson, finishing school also meant ending their playing career. 

Thompson’s competitive tennis days may be over, but he’ll never forget the experiences he had and the lessons he learned. Thompson’s four-year career as a Jaguar included some highs and lows, some ups and some downs, but he’s grateful to have played with great teammates, met new friends and contributed to the Jaguars’ program. 

Reflecting on his time at West Jordan and his senior season in particular, Thompson is thankful for the hard work everyone put in. He said win or lose, everyone enjoyed themselves and got along well. 

“The best part about being on this West Jordan team is that everyone was just naturally talented,” he said. “Nobody has really taken lessons, and everyone was just there to compete and have a good time. Everyone wants to win, and when they do it is so special because the kids we played had all been taking lessons since they were 5. When we win, it’s through passion and pure skill. I loved being part of West Jordan tennis.”

The Jaguars struggled in the state tournament where they faced stiff competition against deep, talented teams. However, they won the Region 4 championship in their first year back in Class 5A after being in Class 6A since its creation. Thompson said this accomplishment helped to make the season successful for him and the team. 

“This season was a huge success for not only me but the entire team,” he said. “We were able to win the region championship, gain confidence in ourselves and come closer as a team. For me, I finally started to play to my potential.”

Thompson was happy with his performance in his senior season. It was a good way to wrap up his high school career. He said he made some progress and was able to take what he learned in practice and apply it to matches.

“I was most pleased with the fact that I could translate my practice play to my game play,” he said. “For the last couple of years, I have been able to practice super well, hit great shots, win great points and be a great practice player. What I lacked was the ability to translate that to actual matches. Over the course of the rollercoaster of a season, I was able to unlock that ability and start playing how I know I can.”

As a player, Thompson acknowledges that he sometimes struggled and was never perfect. Yet he developed some important skills that helped him to be a capable player on the court. Hard work, persistence and a positive attitude were critical to his development. He enjoyed playing alongside his teammates and did his best to lift them. 

“My strengths as a player were hit and miss a lot, but when I’m on, my strengths are my forehand, serve and backhand,” he said. “Mentally, tennis has been a big struggle for me, and there were a few matches this year where I only lost because I wasn’t mentally locked in. But when I am mentally locked in, it is very hard to beat me. What I brought to the team was someone who is coachable, a competitor who cares about succeeding and my teammates succeeding. But I’m also down to earth. I related to my teammates and was a good friend to all of them, and they were all really good friends to me.”

For Thompson, his senior season was one he’ll never forget. 

Not only did West Jordan win the Region 4 title, but Thompson won third place in first singles in the region. He also got to play for his dad, Abel Thompson, as coach in his senior season. 

“I will remember most winning the championship trophy, but more specifically playing Spencer Bentley for third place in the region at first singles,” he said. “This was the match where I finally felt like all of my skills came together and I was able to play to my best ability. It was such a fun match and a competitive one. I will also remember my dad coaching me throughout the last year.”

Now it’s on to bigger and better things for the graduated West Jordan tennis player and student.

After graduating from high school, Thompson started a window washing business with his brother Trevor. A big event in his life will take place Aug. 19 when he heads to Arequipa, Peru, on a volunteer two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After he finishes, he intends to study business finance at the University of Utah or Utah State University. 

Thompson credits his success as a student and tennis player, as well as his growth as a person, to his family and coaches. 

“My dad, coach Long and my mom have all been amazing influences and mentors for me and my tennis career,” he said. “They always supported me and showed faith in my abilities. They knew how good I could be and never gave up on me or put pressure on me. They are all people who I look up to and want to be like, not only when I play tennis but also just as a person.” λ