JACKSON, MS- It has been an adjustment for Caroline Thompson, but Millsaps' all-time hits leader is settling into her new role as the Majors' assistant softball coach. 

"I knew I wasn't ready to give up the game," Thompson said. "Originally, I was going to help out in the fall and volunteer, it just worked out that I was able to step into the assistant coach role." 

Thompson took over as assistant coach over the holiday break and Caroline would be the first to admit that heading to the field to not play, was a bit of an adjustment. 

"Not playing was the weirdest part of all of this," Thompson said. "Once I realized how blessed I am for being able to stay a part of the game I love, it became a lot easier." 

Head coach Roland Rodriguez has also helped with the transition. Thompson played for "Coach Rod" for four years and that player-coach relationship helped make the transition easier. 

"It was exciting to be a part of her career. In my fifteen years as a head coach, she's one of the top players that I've had the opportunity to be around," Coach Rodriguez said.  "It's been just as exciting to watch her work with the players and learn her way around the coaching life." 

"I knew more or less what to expect from Coach Rod," Caroline added. "He doesn't have to push me to get things done like he used to. I know the routine and what needs to be done, Coach Rod has been great in giving me some leeway to do things as well."

Thompson is also in the unusual position of coaching players that she called teammates just one season ago. Last year's squad was nearly an even split between freshmen and seniors. That dynamic has also helped Thompson coach up her former teammates. 

"Being teammates with most of the girls, really helped." Thompson said. "But the age gap has helped a lot, the team saw me as a leader a season ago, now they see me as a different type of leader."

Caroline was known as a tough and hard-nosed player during her four years as a Major. She knew she would have to re-establish herself as a coach but once that same passion she brought as a playing was also being brought to coaching, it was no longer an issue. 

"I believe that a young coach right out of her playing career needs to have knowledge of the game, a passion for the game, and the willingness to work," Rodriguez said.  "Caroline possesses those traits and is showing to be just as valuable for us in her new role. "

"I figured that I would have to re-earn everyone's respect." Caroline added. "Once I stepped back on to the field, everything felt natural again. I was just getting to the field a little earlier this time around."

Thompson is excited for this new chapter in her Millsaps' career that has now entered its third phase. What started nearly a decade ago as a fan watching her brother play soccer led to a hall of fame caliber softball career and now her start in coaching. 

"I know now that this is what I want to do," Thompson said. "I am blessed that I get to do it for the place where I grew up, I am very lucky." 

Thompson and the Majors play host to the Rhodes Lynx this weekend in the final home conference weekend for the Majors in the regular season. First pitch on Saturday and Sunday is set for noon.