AUBURN, Ala. – A starter since her arrival in 2017, senior Unique Thompson looks to add her name in even more places in Auburn's women's basketball record book in her final season on the Plains.
Thompson has averaged double figures in scoring and rebounding in each of the past two seasons, a program first. She led the Tigers in scoring (16.2) and rebounding (11.4) last season as a junior.
The doctor of the double-double, Thompson led the SEC with 22 such performances last season, one shy of the national lead.
"Just keep my streak going with double-doubles," Thompson said of her plans for an encore. "Going out and playing every game to the best that I can."
With 41 career double-doubles, the 6-foot-3 post player from Theodore, Alabama, ranks No. 1 on Auburn's career list.
In 2020-21, Thompson welcomes 10 new teammates, first-year Tigers who have impressed the All-SEC standout in practice.
"The main thing about this team is the way they compete," she said. "Practice every day has been elite competition. We play hard, we get after it every day.
"Although we're playing against each other, you can still see how much the intensity is, how much everybody is looking forward to winning. If one team loses a drill, it's always, 'Coach, can we run it back?'"
Thompson hesitates to single out any of the newcomers, knowing each has the potential to make her own mark on the program.
"We have so many different personalities but so many different athletes," she said. "Everybody on this team is very talented, they bring a different aspect to the game. I feel like the fans are going to enjoy everybody. We have a really special group."
With WNBA aspirations, Thompson intends to leverage her professional basketball career to open a center for people with disabilities.
"Where they will be able to come and feel welcomed and feel loved and just be themselves," said Thompson, who plans to graduate in May with a degree in rehabilitation and disability studies. "It was something that was placed on my heart."
Thompson initially intended to transition from a career on the court to one in court.
"I just knew growing up that I would be a lawyer, but my path got changed quickly and has ever since," she said. "This is a way to fulfill my purpose."
Named to preseason All-SEC teams by Southeastern Conference coaches and media, Thompson tips off her senior season Wednesday at 6 p.m. CT at Auburn Arena vs. USC Upstate.
The tallest Tiger, No. 20 is easy to spot on the basketball court at Auburn Arena. Basketball, says Unique Thompson, is only part of the legacy she hopes to leave on the Plains.
"Not only do I want them to talk about how much they loved my makeup, but also just how much I enjoy playing the game of basketball and how much they can see that I'm actually having fun, and being a good teammate, and just being a good person all around, outside of basketball," she said.
"That's why I take so much time staying for the kids, so they can remember me more as a person than as a basketball player, because I don't want them to limit me to being only an athlete."
Auburn's new-look women's basketball team tips off the 2020-21 season Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Auburn Arena
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer