Since graduating from UNC Greensboro, former Spartan softball catcher Lindsay Thomas ’16 has continued to catch success: playing all around the world and coaching at Virginia Tech in 2022. Now, she’s the first Spartan to sign with a Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF) League team – The Texas Smoke – which just won the regular season title in its inaugural season.
“It’s been a cool experience. The WPF has the most elite players in the U.S.,” says Thomas, a native of Irvine, California. “The owners of the Texas Smoke are a former Major League Baseball player and a female wrestler, so it’s been great to see what they’ve created.”
THE FIRST PITCH
Thomas originally went to a closed tryout for the team in May. After two days of tryouts, she was invited to spring training, and then finally signed with the Texas Smoke. The next day was their first game.
The team plays almost every day and when they are not playing, they are traveling.
“We’re getting to play the best pitchers in the country and world, so that’s really awesome.”
TWIN TEAMMATES
Thomas came to UNCG with her twin sister Nicole. The two were offered a scholarship and played softball together – Lindsay catching and Nicole pitching. Both of them racked up accolades with Lindsay earning SoCon Freshman of the Year in 2013, NFCA All-Region selection, SoCon All-Conference first team and SoCon Academic All-Conference. Both of them racked up accolades with Lindsay earning SoCon Freshman of the Year in 2013, NFCA All-Region selection, SoCon All-Conference first team and SoCon Academic All-Conference.
After graduation, the pair played around the world including in Austria, New Zealand, and Italy.
“It’s hard and it’s a hustle,” Lindsay says of the international playing. “Italy was my favorite because of the lifestyle, but I’ve started to form a life in New Zealand so I’m hoping to get back out there this winter.”
Lindsay says she’s still playing softball for more than just the travel.
“The seniors during my freshman year were life-changing and have been some of my longest lasting influences,” she says. “Now that they have started families. They motivate me to keep playing because I know they wish they could too.”
TRAINING YOUR MIND AND BODY
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lindsay and Nicole created their own business, Training Untamed, which develops athletes’ mental skills to improve their resilience and confidence and bridge the performance gap. Individuals go through an eight-week mental performance skill training.
“It’s cool and fun. Since I still play, it’s easier to relate to the kids,” Lindsay says. “But while playing on the Texas Smoke, I do have to be very adaptive with scheduling.”
Thomas was also able to put her psychology degree to good use with the company.
“I love being able to intertwine my skills and knowledge. It just makes sense,” she says. “I loved my psychology classes and still keep in touch with people from those courses.”
With her success, Thomas hopes to inspire her clients and current Spartans to be their best.
“What I learned at UNCG is that you get out of life what you put into it, and to shamelessly seek out opportunity. Put yourself out there, and don’t be afraid to be told no.”
Story by Avery Craine Powell, University Communications
Photography courtesy of Lindsay and Nicole Thomas
Help others get their head in the game.
