UNCW Athletics has announced a new scholarship funded by Dick J. Thompson that will support baseball, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, men’s golf and women’s golf programs. The gift reflects a deep commitment to nurturing talent across a range of sports that have long been part of the university’s competitive identity.
Supporting the Next Generation
The inspiration behind the award comes from the Thompson family’s own story within Seahawk athletics. Thai Thompson, a standout member of the women’s tennis team, later married Agustin Savarino, a former men’s tennis standout who helped lead the program to conference championships in 2017 and 2018. Their experiences at UNCW combined academic rigor with life‑changing lessons that now inform the scholarship’s purpose.
Having spent four decades living and working in New Hanover County, Dick J. Thompson has watched the growth of Seahawk athletics up close. His family’s involvement in baseball, golf and tennis guided the selection of sports that will benefit from the scholarship, ensuring that the funding aligns with the interests that have shaped his personal and professional journey.
Funding for the scholarship will be calculated using a formula that rewards both regular‑season performance and postseason achievements, providing a dynamic incentive for teams to strive for excellence throughout the year.
Athletes and coaches who benefit from the award will have the opportunity to build on the successes of past Seahawk teams, while the broader community is invited to explore similar opportunities. Anyone interested in establishing or learning more about a scholarship can contact the Seahawk Club at 910‑962‑2731.