Bonnie (Lewis) Thomen is a highly respected University of Indianapolis alum. She graduated from the University in 1971 with a bachelor of science in Teaching Physical Education and a minor in Mathematics. Today we want to share her story and where she is now!
When Bonnie was a teenager she attended Emmerich Manual High School from 1963-1967. While attending EMHS she could not play any varsity sports because, at the time, the school did not offer varsity sports for women. The first time she could play on a competitive team was at the University of Indianapolis then Indiana Central University. When she was 18 years old, she was beyond thrilled to receive her first team uniform from UIndy.
While she was at UIndy, Bonnie played field hockey, basketball, volleyball, and softball all four years. She was a starter for field hockey, volleyball, and softball. From her time playing, she gained leadership skills like communication, accountability, teamwork, and much more. The time she spent as a multi-sport athlete at the University helped excel her into a successful life path.
One of Bonnie's main takeaways from her time as a multisport athlete at UIndy was when she learned there has to be a sense of cooperation and respect for a team to function properly. She always wanted what was best for the team even if that meant driving the team to away games in her dad's nine-passenger station wagon. Bonnie's most memorable game was an away game for UIndy Women's Basketball at Indiana University because it was her first glimpse of Title IX in action. She knew at that moment that Title IX would help lead the way for young women to have the opportunity to equally play sports.
Bonnie played a part in advancing sporting opportunities for young ladies. After college, Bonnie established, managed, and coached for a girls youth travel softball organization. During the 10 years she spent with the organization, she had five teams with player's ages ranging from 10 to 16 years old. The athletes all admired Bonnie for her strong leadership qualities. After this, Bonnie spent five years as a Disbursing Officer in the Marine Corps. She knew that having to do what's best for the team was paramount in her daily duties for the Corps.
After she had finished her time in the military she worked with the Stafford County Schools as a computer tech trainer. Her time with the Stafford County School district did not stop there. Today, Bonnie currently coaches high school softball at North Stafford High School. This will be her 19th year in that position. Bonnie also currently works as an official for high school and middle school volleyball. This will be her 20th year as an official. Bonnie enjoys staying active and spending time with her friends and family.
