Penn High School, 1975 – 79
Deb Thompson swam for Penn High School under coach Christine (Preisinger) Simper and the Michiana Marlins under Coach Tony Kowals. She earned four Penn High School records and eight individual sectional titles as well as two relay titles. She went on to win two state championships in the 200 yard free in 1975 and 1976, becoming the first female to break the 2:00.00 barrier. Deb then swam for Purdue University where she was a member of two record-setting relay teams, 200 free relay, and the 400 free relay. Following graduation, Deb spent the next several years coaching swimming at the high school and college levels. She had the honor of being named Conference Coach of the year by her peers eight times. Deb currently lives in Osceola, Indiana and teaches Physical Education and Health at Saint Joseph High School in South Bend, Indiana.