Levester Thompson, Jr.
Women's Basketball Assistant Coach
The 2011-12 season is Levester Thompson, Jr.’s 16th as an assistant coach of the New York University women’s basketball team. His responsibilities include scouting, schedule planning, office operations, player development, and community relations.
Last season, NYU posted a 12-13 record and a 6-8 mark in the University Athletic Association (UAA). The squad defeated three teams that went on to reach the NCAA Division III Championship and made history from the free-throw line, breaking the University Athletic Association (UAA) record for free-throw percentage in Association play (79.9%).
In his first season at NYU, Thompson, Jr. served as a volunteer assistant on the coaching staff. During that 1996-97 campaign, the Violets won their first-ever NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship and set a school record for victories (29-1). Overall, the Violets have recorded a 322-92 (.778) record during his tenure.
NYU has recorded a winning record during all but one of Thompson, Jr.’s first 15 seasons. His expertise has helped the Violets make eight NCAA Tournament appearances (1997-99, 2001, 2004, 2006-07, 2009), including a Final Four berth in ‘07 as NYU went 27-4 and earned a share of the UAA Championship. In addition, NYU has captured five ECAC Division III Metro Tournament crowns (2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2010) during Thompson, Jr.’s tenure.
Overall, Thompson, Jr. has been part of a staff that has earned UAA Coaching Staff of the Year honors three times (‘97, ‘04, ‘07).
Thompson, Jr., who also works as a vice president at JP Morgan Chase within Investment Banking Risk, graduated from NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in management and finance. He participated as a member of the Violets’ track & field team, competing mainly in the shot put, discus, hammer, and 35-lb. weight throw.
A native of Alberta, VA, Thompson, Jr. is married to Simone Andrews (NYU ‘96), who is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology at her alma mater. The couple resides on Staten Island, NY, with their daughter, Jade-Anastasia, and son, Chase.
