Published on June 8, 2026 7:27 am
Last Updated on June 8, 2026 8:13 am
Below is the press release issued by Teutopolis CUSD #50.
TEUTOPOLIS, IL – Teutopolis CUSD #50 today honors Coach Laurie Thompson as she
concludes her remarkable career as Head Coach of the Lady Shoes Basketball program.
“Coach Thompson’s career represents the very best of what high school athletics can be,” said
Superintendent Matthew Sturgeon. “As a player, assistant coach under Dennis Koester, and
head coach, she has devoted much of her life to Lady Shoes Basketball. She not only achieved
success, but also carried forward a tradition that means so much to our students, alumni, and
Wooden Shoe community. Through her leadership, she has helped shape the character,
confidence, and success of countless student-athletes. We are incredibly grateful for her service
and leadership.”
Coach Thompson’s story is uniquely Teutopolis.
As a student-athlete from 1985-88, she helped lead the Lady Shoes to a 115-7 record. She
returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach in 1992 serving alongside legendary Head
Coach Dennis Koester and helping continue one of the premier girls basketball programs in
Illinois. During those 14 seasons, she played an important role in sustaining the culture of
excellence that has long defined Lady Shoes Basketball.
In 2006, she became just the fourth head coach in the 48-year history of Lady Shoes
Basketball. Over the next 20 seasons, Coach Thompson guided the Lady Shoes to 518
victories, conference championships, regional and sectional titles, state tournament
appearances, and countless memorable moments for players, families, and fans.
When her entire Lady Shoes Basketball journey is considered, her impact is extraordinary:
• Player: 115-7 (.943)
• Assistant Coach: 378-65 (.853)
• Head Coach: 518-148 (.777)
Lady Shoes Basketball currently stands tied for the most wins in Illinois girls basketball history
with 1,231 victories. Coach Thompson has been directly involved in 1011 of those wins, more
than 82 percent of every victory in program history.
Yet her legacy extends beyond the numbers.
As a player, assistant coach, head coach, teacher, and mentor, Coach Thompson has dedicated
much of her life to serving Teutopolis students. She helped preserve and strengthen a tradition
established by the generations of players and coaches who came before her, while ensuring
that Lady Shoes Basketball remained one of the most respected programs in Illinois.
While Coach Thompson is stepping away from her coaching responsibilities, she will continue
serving Teutopolis students in the classroom during the 2026-27 school year.
As we celebrate her numerous contributions, we also look toward the future. Teutopolis CUSD
#50 will begin the search for the next leader of Lady Shoes Basketball, with a commitment to
building upon the strong foundation and tradition of excellence that Coach Thompson helped
sustain throughout her career.
“The success of Lady Shoes Basketball has always been rooted in outstanding student-athletes,
dedicated coaches, supportive families, and a community that takes great pride in its schools.
Those strengths remain firmly in place, and we are excited about the future of a program that
continues to serve as a source of pride for the Wooden Shoe community,” said Sturgeon.
On behalf of the Teutopolis CUSD #50 Board of Education, administration, staff, students,
alumni, and community, thank you, Coach Thompson, for your leadership, dedication, and
unwavering commitment to Lady Shoes Basketball.