What began as a routine game quickly became a milestone moment for the Big Rapids Cardinals, as Head Coach Dawn Thompson secured her 400th career win—a remarkable achievement that reflects nearly two decades of dedication, leadership, and success.
Family, friends, former players, and fans packed the stands to celebrate the accomplishment, which solidified Thompson's status as one of the most accomplished coaches in Big Rapids High School history. While the crowd came to cheer on the team, they also bore witness to a historic evening that honored a coach who has given so much to the school and its athletic programs.
Thompson’s coaching career spans 26 years, including experience at the travel, high school, and collegiate levels. Now in her 19th season leading the Cardinals, she entered the year with a record of 392-215 and has now surpassed the 400-win mark. Under her guidance, Big Rapids softball has captured six CSAA league championships and five district titles. Her teams have been especially dominant in recent years, going 130-23 over the past four seasons, including an impressive 64 consecutive league victories.
A former standout athlete herself, Thompson played softball at Central Michigan University under legendary coach Margo Jonker. During her collegiate career, she helped lead CMU to two Mid-American Conference (MAC) championships, earned All-MAC honors twice, and was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Beth Pawlak Award for leadership, dedication, and inspiration.
Beyond the diamond, Thompson has spent 18 years as a special education teacher at Big Rapids High School and currently serves as the district’s athletic director. In the past year, she furthered her professional credentials by earning her Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) endorsement.
Her contributions to BRHS extend well beyond wins and championships. Thompson is known as a mentor and role model who has positively shaped the lives of countless student-athletes through her example of hard work, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
As the community celebrates this milestone, it's clear that Coach Dawn Thompson's legacy is defined not only by her success on the field—but by the strength of the program and the people she’s inspired along the way.
Congratulations, Coach Thompson, on this outstanding achievement, and thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in education and athletics.