Malone University Athletics

John Thompson, a native of Englewood, Florida, returns for his 15th season on the Pioneer baseball coaching staff in 2025. 

The second longest tenured Malone assistant became the hitting coach in 2017 after previously serving as the Malone infield coach. In his first season as the Pioneer hitting coach, Malone posted a collective .328 batting average to lead both the G-MAC and the Midwest Region.

As a player, Thompson was a four-year starter at second base and shortstop in high school, posting a career batting average of .342 with seven home runs and 65 RBI’s. After earning Second Team All-State recognition following his senior season, Thompson enrolled at Kent State University where he was redshirted during his freshman year.  He then transferred to Florida Gulf Coast University where he wrapped up his collegiate career competing for the NCAA Division I Eagles.  While at FGCU, Thompson batted .305 with two home runs and 32 RBI’s. 

Thompson returned to Ohio after completing his playing career and began working as a baseball/softball hitting and fielding instructor.  He spent one year at SwingLab Baseball Technologies and two years at OTN (One through Nine) Performance, learning the swing breakdown and proper mechanics for hitting, fielding and throwing. 

In addition to his responsibilities with the Pioneer baseball program, John is Dealer Principal at Montrose Auto Group.