Grizzlies’ Thompson is Scholar All-American

Montana junior Skyleigh Thompson was named a second-team Scholar All-American on Friday by the United Soccer Coaches.

She becomes only the fifth player in program history to earn Scholar All-American accolades, and the first since 2000.

The 2023 Big Sky Conference Offensive MVP and first-team all-region selection, the Flathead High School graduate has a 4.00 GPA as a finance major.

Thompson earlier this week earned first-team Scholar All-West Region honors. Junior Delaney Lou Schorr was named second-team Scholar All-West Region.

Schorr, the 2023 Big Sky Conference Golden Boot winner and two-time all-region selection, has a 3.67 GPA as a marketing major.

Thompson and Schorr become the seventh and eighth Scholar All-West Region selections under sixth-year coach Chris Citowicki. The coach now has his first Scholar All-American.

Thompson was one of only 45 players nationally to be named Scholar All-American. Thirteen players made up the first team, 16 the second team and 16 the third team.

“To be one of 45 in the entire country coming out of the Big Sky and out of the University of Montana is pretty special and pretty historic,” said Citowicki. “The GPA, being first-team all-conference, first-team all-region, the Big Sky MVP, she had a picture-perfect year. I know she’s excited to try to do it again.”

Thompson is Montana’s first Scholar All-American since Misty Hall was named first team and Amy Bemis third team in 2000.

Courtney Mathieson became Montana’s first Scholar All-American when she was voted first team in 1997. She also was named the Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Margo Tufts earned second-team honors in 1998.