Virginia Peninsula Community College turned to a longtime and well-known Hampton Roads coach, Tommy Thomas, to lead its women’s volleyball program, naming him the head coach.
Thomas was the interim coach for the fall 2023 season. He led the Gators to a 3-4 record and a third-place finish in the New South Athletic Conference Invitational in the second year of the program.
“It’s a new adventure. My first college position,” Thomas said.
Thomas led Peninsula Catholic High School to four state titles in 22 years, reaching the state final four each of his final 15 seasons with the Knights. The year before he took the reins at Peninsula Catholic, the team went 1-18. Prior to that, he started the program at Christchurch School in Middlesex County. He also is the CEO and owner of Coastal Hampton Sportsplex in Newport News. His Coastal Hampton Roads program has grown from one club team 17 years ago to 14 this past year.
“He has experience in building programs and managing programs,” said Chris Moore, VPCC’s Director of Athletics and men’s basketball coach. “He’s won at every program he’s built. He runs one of the largest club programs in the Hampton Roads area, which is vital. It shows that he has the connections to help our student-athletes get to the next level.”
Thomas is confident he can bring that success to the College.
“I had been doing high school for 33 (years),” he said. “There’s not going to be too much difference because with high school, you are building a program for two years with kids. It’s kind of the same thing.”
The farther along Moore got into the hiring process, the more he was impressed with Thomas.
“Everybody spoke about his dedication to women’s volleyball in this area and his commitment level being top tier,” Moore said. “That’s what we’re trying to build; bring in coaches who are committed, dedicated and highly respected throughout the community.”
Thomas has started recruiting for the fall season, and he’s hoping for a roster of 15-20 players, including five returning from 2023. He’s excited about the opportunity.
“It’s a brand-new program to build,” he said.
For more information on VPCC and its athletics programs, visit www.vpcc.edu.