Tristan Thompson, a Spicer, MN native, enters his first season for the Valley City State Men's Basketball coaching staff in 2026-27 as an assistant coach.
Prior to coaching for the Vikings, Thompson spent one year at Bemidji State as an assistant. While with the Beavers, he coached two All-NSIC players despite the injury-ridden team missing playoffs.
Prior to Bemidji, Thompson worked at North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. During his two seasons at NCU, the Rams posted a 19-9 conference record, back-to-back UMAC playoff berths, NCCAA D2 national runner-up finish in 2023-24, UMAC regular season co-champions in 2024-25, and a NCCAA D2 National Championship in 2024-25. In addition, numerous NCU players earned individual accolades at the NCCAA D2 and UMAC levels.
Prior to coaching for the Rams, Thompson spent one year with the Presentation College Saints in Aberdeen, SD. He primarily handled the varsity reserve team, travel, and recruitment. Thompson joined the Saints following the completion of his bachelor’s degree in sports management and coaching from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, MN. Thompson was a four-year varsity men’s track & field athlete, ran a single season of cross country, and spent time with the men’s basketball team during his tenure at UNW.
