FORT WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania, June 19. AFTER a tumultuous period during which Germantown Academy’s legendary head coach Dick Shoulberg was put on a leave of absence before announcing his retirement, the school has made a final decision on his successor.
According to the Times Herald, the school announced that Terre Haute Torpedo head coach Jeff Thompson has been hired as the new leader of the historic program. Thompson has coached with the Torpedoes in Indiana since 1997, and also led the boys and girls swim teams at Terre Haute South Vigo High School.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to work at Germantown Academy,’ Thompson said in a school release. “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that GA and GAAC will continue its strong tradition of producing some of the world’s best swimmers for a long time to come.’
It’s going to be a tough road to travel for Thompson as he looks to replace Shoulberg. The legend is now coach emeritus at the Academy after 44 years as the head coach of the program. During his time at Germantown, Shoulberg has mentored 16 Olympians.
“I am very happy for our students and swimmers who will be under the guidance of Coach Thompson, and equally as happy that he is maintaining the whole staff,’ Shoulberg said in the statement. “Coach Thompson has asked me to help him wherever he feels I can help, and I look forward to a good relationship together. He is an enthusiastic, all-school person who clearly sees the big picture in what a successful student-athlete looks like, and I am excited to welcome him to GA.’