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Natalie Thompson found her college home – and a place to continue her tennis career as well.

The Polk County senior has verbally committed to join the tennis program at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Va. Thompson plans to officially sign with the school sometime in January.

Playing at No. 4 and No. 5 singles this season, Thompson posted a 9-3 record in singles play while also notching an 8-1 mark in doubles. Her 17 total wins were second-highest for a Polk County team that finished 9-3 and reached the second round of the state 1A playoffs.

“Randolph had a dynamic upbeat environment when I visited,” Thompson said. “I really liked the immersive learning with the Take2 program they have. The pre-law program choices are more diverse than other colleges. After talking with the players and coach, I really felt like Randolph was the place I wanted to call home for the next few years.

“I will graduate with an Associate of Arts degree and the admissions staff have already showed me how those courses will apply at their institution. I was looking for a college that was serious about academics with a low student to faculty ratio. I toured several, but Randolph stood out to me the most.”

The Division III Wildcats compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Head coach Sam Martinez has assembled a roster this season that includes players from the United States, Germany and The Netherlands.

“Coach Martinez made me feel like I was one of their own from the first moment we talked,” Thompson said. “The Randolph tennis team is diverse with players from other countries and across the U.S., but Coach Martinez has done a great job of making everyone feel like a family. I am looking forward to the next chapter after high school.”

Thompson will join siblings Trey and Tori as collegiate athletes. Trey Thompson played football at Averitt College while Tori Thompson is currently part of the cross country and track and field programs at Belmont Abbey.