Hargrave Military Academy is pleased to announce the hiring of Frank Thomas ’87 as Head Baseball Coach.
Thomas, a four year boarding cadet at Hargrave, went on to complete his BS at Averett University. As a coach, Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge to the Tigers. All together, Thomas brings over a decade of coaching experience to the table between the high school and collegiate ranks, as he served as an assistant coach at Averett University. Thomas also has coaching experience in football and basketball as well.
Returning home to Hargrave for the second time, Thomas has previous experience as a TAC officer and will take on the role of Student Activities Director in addition to his coaching responsibilities. “Hargrave has always felt like home to me,” remarks Thomas. “During my four years here as a cadet I really matured and grew as a young man. I’m more than thrilled to be back here because my goals align with the Academy’s values. I’m excited to help positively impact our cadets’ lives the way mine was impacted during my time as a cadet.”
Having experience across multiple levels of baseball (High School Varsity, High School JV, College), Thomas understands the process of daily improvement. “My goals are for us to be a fundamentally sound team that plays with passion, grit, and a competitive fire,” says Thomas. “Ultimately, I love the game of baseball and understand the positive impact high school athletics can have on young men. Above all else, we want to have a culture of respect for the game of baseball, our opponents, and the tradition of Hargrave Baseball.”
Athletic Director Thomas Messinger stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Frank Thomas ’87 back to the Hargrave Family! It’s always a plus when you have coaches that understand the bigger picture and align with the Academy’s Four Pillars. Coach Thomas will do an excellent job with our baseball team because of his passion not only for the game of baseball but for Hargrave as a whole.”
Thomas has two daughters, Keller Erin Thomas, a UNC graduate who will be teaching at the International Christian School of Pyeongtaek in South Korea and Carolyn Blair Thomas, a sophomore at Weaver Academy School of the Arts in Greensboro, North Carolina.
