MISSOULA – Skyleigh Thompson grew up always wanting to be a Griz.

The Kalispell native dreamed of playing at Montana, the only NCAA Division I football program in the state. What she didn’t know was the impact the program would have on her four years later.

“The relationships go much deeper than just at the teammate level,” Thompson said. “I’m surrounded by my best friends every day, and it’s a little sad to think that I’m not going to be able to be with them every day, but I’m going to enjoy it while I can.

“I think my main focus was to enjoy the trip. My dad always tells me, take it in, enjoy every moment, even if I’m nervous or, you know, trips sometimes can’t be ideal, but just enjoy it. Enjoy the people who around you and ultimately have fun.”

Thompson was a record-setting high school soccer player at Flathead High School before joining the Grizzlies program, and in the fall of 2021 she saw plenty of playing time as the Griz won the Big Sky Conference soccer tournament and advanced to the NCAA tournament. .

He played in 20 games and made 10 starts that season, eight of which came down the stretch, including the conference title game against Weber State and in the NCAA tournament against Washington State.

Tommy Martino/University of Montana

“I just think it set the tone for the rest of my career here: We expect to win and work hard at everything we do,” he said. “And my freshman year, it was really fun to win the tournament, as I remember it was the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Getting a ring. I was like, ‘What is that?’

“I came in and I knew I was going to have to put my head down and work really hard to get where I wanted. And you know, fortunately, it worked out and I got some playing time. The coaches “We’re very good at recruiting people with the intention of making them better players. “.

Over the next three years, Thompson became a full starter at Montana, where he became a scoring star for the Grizzlies.

Thompson thrived on her assets as a fast, strong athlete, and as a junior last year she was an All-West Region selection, the Big Sky offensive MVP and an academic All-American.

Six of his 11 career goals came last season as the Griz once again became Big Sky champions in the regular season.

“I think ultimately you become more confident in yourself as time goes on,” Thompson said. “The college game is a lot different, especially at the Division I level, than Montana high school and club soccer, right? So it’s just getting used to that, building more chemistry and relationships with the people you meet.” around, just better understanding your strengths as a player.

As a senior this year, Thompson has drawn more attention from opposing teams and freed up others and has also battled injuries throughout the season.

Tommy Martino/University of Montana

Still, he found a way to make an impact, and on his final run, Thompson again helped the Grizzlies to another conference title, one goal. the team achieved on Sunday.

“I think at first it was kind of a mental battle,” Thompson said. “I’m putting a lot of pressure on myself because I want to continue to get better as a soccer player. It’s hard to realize when you don’t get the stats you want at first, but, you know, sometimes you just have to take a step back and realize that you’re growing a different way. At the end of the day, it’s the team first, right? So if I contribute in a way that helps the team win, I’m doing my best job.

“Knowing that I’m contributing to the team in any way I can is the most important thing for me. And at the end of the day, just enjoying where I am and having fun.”

After college football concludes, Thompson will graduate in December from UM with a bachelor’s degree in finance.

With 74 games and 4,205 minutes played in his career as a Grizzly, Thompson is leaving a legacy in Montana as a local product who found success at the highest level.

“I’m very proud to be from Montana and to be able to wear it on my chest every time I step on the field,” Thompson said. “So just being able to be someone that other people can look up to and see that it’s something you can do, it’s amazing.

“It’s something that I don’t take lightly. So I’m very happy that I was able to do it and I hope to inspire the next generation of football players as well. I feel very honored to be here and to be around these girls and these coaches. I have “Thank you so much for everyone who has been a part of my journey here. I couldn’t have done it without the people around me.”