HAMILTON – Colgate Volleyball middle blocker Sophie Thompson '24 has signed a professional contract with Volley Club Marcq en Baroeul in France, announced recently by the organization. 

Thompson will be competing for the team in Marcq en Baroeul, France with its regular season running from October-April. Thompson is one of two Americans on the current roster, joined by UCLA star Tristin Savage. The team competes in the LNV Ligue A Féminine (LAF), the top division of French women's volleyball, established in 1941.

"We couldn't be more proud of Sophie," head coach Ryan Baker said. "She had an unbelievable career here capped by finishing in the top five nationally in blocks/set during her fifth year. She's been a tireless worker from the day she arrived on campus and now she's doing great things on the pro circuit."

Thompson, a standout middle blocker, helped lead Colgate to its third consecutive Patriot League championship by leading the conference in blocks and blocks per set (1.53), good for fifth in the country. She set an NCAA single-match record with 17 blocks against Bucknell (Oct. 20). 

"Having had a wonderful experience and career at Colgate for the past five years, it was a no-brainer that I wanted to continue my volleyball career," Thompson said. "The support from my coaches and teammates this past Fall furthered my confidence in my decision. By winning the Patriot league three times and getting to compete against top 10 teams in the nation it has prepared me for the high level play I've faced in France. Even though I just started I am so excited to see where my career takes me!" 

The Frisco, Texas, native completed her Colgate career ranked No. 1 in the record books in block assists (428) and eighth in solo blocks (90). A second team All-Patriot League selection in 2023, Thompson suited up in 129 matches, compiling 578 kills, 52 service aces, 154 digs, 518 total blocks, and a .285 hitting percentage.  Thompson recently completed her second degree in international relations to go along with the geography degree she earned last May. In the spring semester of her junior year, Thompson studied abroad in Copenhagen, taking courses in humanitarian law. The four-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member also took three years of French during her time at Colgate.

Thompson continues Baker's strong pipeline of recent graduates Julia Kurowski '22, Alli Lowe '21 and Alex Stein '20 as former Raiders to sign with professional teams overseas.