Rising Again: Vaughn College Welcomes Kamala Thompson to Lead Women’s Basketball
Queens, NY – Vaughn College is excited to announce the hiring of Kamala Thompson as the new head women's basketball coach, officially marking the return of the Phoenix women's basketball program. The team has not competed since the 2022–23 season, and Thompson aims to reignite the program in 2026 with a focus on culture, leadership, and student-athlete growth.
For Thompson, joining Vaughn is about impact both on and beyond the court.
"I am most excited about the opportunity to make a difference for underrepresented students—women and minorities in STEM. Seeing women grow in aviation and engineering is inspiring, and I want our student-athletes to experience that same empowerment," said Thompson.
Coaching Background Shaped by Excellence and Mentorship
Thompson began her coaching career in 2018 with the Police Athletic League (PAL), coaching 13-year-old boys and girls. She went on to lead the girls' basketball program at Uncommon Charter High School, before returning to her alma mater, Molloy College, as an assistant coach. There, she contributed to film analysis, practice design, game strategy, recruiting, and helped lead the Lions to a conference championship and NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance. She also served briefly as the assistant women's basketball coach at The City College of New York (CCNY).
Her coaching and playing philosophies were shaped by experiences across the NYC basketball landscape:
"From P.A.L., Boo Williams, and Rose Classics under Coaches Anthony Smith and Bob Mitchell — to winning a CHSAA championship under Coach Ted O'Berg and Joe Gugliero — I learned early on that defense wins games and leadership begins with example," Thompson reflected.
"Being recruited by Coach Chris Wielgus to compete in the Ivy League at Dartmouth showed me how to evolve as a student-athlete. And earning my master's degree while winning a Division II ECC Championship and reaching the Elite Eight at Molloy under Coach Joe Pellicane taught me the power of altruism, purpose, and believing in something greater than yourself."
"These are the experiences I'll borrow from as we build a women's basketball program at Vaughn—one centered around leaders who choose courage, commitment, and purpose."
Empowering Women Through Sport and Opportunity
Thompson's vision aligns with Vaughn College's commitment to expanding opportunities for women in STEM fields. She has a strong passion for recruiting, retaining, and graduating women who reflect the diversity and leadership of the aviation, engineering, and technology industries.
A New Chapter Begins
The hiring of Kamala Thompson marks a turning point for Vaughn College and its women's basketball program. Her blend of high-level playing experience, coaching expertise, New York City recruiting ties, and commitment to empowering women positions the Phoenix for a strong and meaningful comeback.
Vaughn students, incoming transfers, or high school student-athletes interested in joining the women's basketball program — or learning more — please email kamala.thompson@vaughn.edu.