South Georgia Technical College helps change lives. Former SGTC Lady Jets basketball standout Angie Tompkins is just one example of how South Georgia Tech accomplishes this through nationally recognized academics, athletics and student activities. Tompkins, who is from Punta Gorda, FL, talks about her rise from having a Division I basketball college scholarship to losing everything, becoming homeless and then climbing back up with the help of others. She shares her story to tell others, “they matter.”
After getting into trouble and losing her Division I basketball scholarship, Tompkins was reduced to living in her car. But even then, she sought safety and solace in an open basketball gymnasium. A coach saw her playing and pulled her aside, even though she had not played ball in years and was out of shape, the coach saw her talent. Through a series of college connections, Angie’s name was given to South Georgia Technical College Lady Jets head basketball coach James Frey. Within a few months, she was offered a full-scholarship. That scholarship included room, board, and a chance to earn an education while utilizing her athletic talent.
That year, Tompkins was selected as a 2015-2016 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Women’s basketball first team All-American. She was also the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) Player of the Year. The Lady Jets finished the season as the GCAA Conference champions with a 27 – 6 overall record and a 14 – 2 performance in the GCAA. Unfortunately, they did not qualify for the national tournament that year after losing in the NJCAA Region 17 tournament.
Tompkins played in 32 of the Lady Jets 33 games during the 2015 – 2016 season and started in each of those games. She averaged 17.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. Upon graduation with a Sports and Fitness Management associate degree, she was offered the opportunity to continue her academic and athletic career with the NCAA Division I Wichita State University Lady Shockers. After completing her two years at Wichita State, she had the opportunity to play professional basketball overseas. She is now in her third year as a professional athlete.
Tompkins shared her story on the eve of the SGTC Lady Jets earning their fifth consecutive trip to the NJCAA National Tournament in Lubbock, TX. The 2020 – 2021 Lady Jets are ranked sixth in the nation and will have an opportunity to showcase their talent on Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Lubbock against the winner of the Tyler, Texas, - Walters State teams. She hopes her story will inspire and encourage other athletes. She shared aspects of her life on Facebook in a recent blog titled: “GOD had me and I didn’t give up.”
By Angie Tompkins
I went from being in college to losing my scholarship. I got in trouble with the law. I made the decision not to tell on anyone and took that charge. I should’ve never put myself in that situation, so I suffered the consequences. I struggled and was homeless for multiple years, I went from almost having the world in my hands then losing everything to being back on top again.
God had me and I didn’t give up. I went from living in the streets to gaining an opportunity to play junior college basketball which led to me playing Division 1 basketball. Now I’m playing professionally overseas, and this is my 3rd year as a professional athlete.
As I look back it’s been one hell of a journey and the suffering and pain that I went through I’m proud to say it was well worth it. But I’m nowhere near finished. I wish nothing but prosperity, triumph, and great health to those that are still grinding to get out of tough circumstances.
I wanted to let you know and tell you that “YOU MATTER”. I’m in my third year of playing professional basketball overseas, currently in Turkey. It’s been a weird ride. I would say one of my issues that I’ve had playing over here is the language barrier, understanding what the coaches want and how they want me to perform on the court. The most important thing I have learned playing professional basketball is to stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready!
I’m currently back at the weight I should be, in order to perform consistently but imagine if I just stayed consistent and bettered my game, instead of trying to get back in shape and staying stagnant with no growth.
As of now, all I know is basketball, but I’ve noticed I need to put myself in the right position, just in case things don’t work out in the future. I used to be so stuck on thinking basketball is all I know, and it is all I have.
Now, I think about my future and continue to ask myself often, “What do I have to lean on?”, What’s going to take care of me financially?”, “How will I take care of myself if basketball is all I know?” When it’s time to hang the kicks up, how can I make consistent revenue to continually provide for myself.
I appreciate Coach Conyers (SGTC Assistant Coach Kenzia Conyers), for opening my eyes on this aspect of my life, I have yet to thoroughly think about. We think we’re invincible until we suffer an injury or old age sets in. I know I’m not going to be able to do this forever. I don’t want to be the person that made so much progress and slowly degenerate after I’m done playing. I want to thank Coach C for everything she’s instilled in me to be great. It’s been a great experience because I’m learning every day. I just want to continue doing what I know how to do best for as long as I can. Then transition smoothly into the rest of my life without basketball. Also, I want to use my story to inspire other athletes.
Angie Tompkins (second from left) is shown above at the Lady Jets 2015 – 2016 sophomore day recognition with SGTC Lady Jets head coach James Frey, former Assistant Coach Kezia Conyers and SGTC’s retired Vice President of Administrative Services and Athletic Director Janice Davis.