News Summary

After over 17 years of dedication, Andrew Thomson has announced his departure from his role as Head Varsity Boys and Girls Swimming Coach at Chelsea High School. His leadership led the swim teams to numerous accolades, including multiple state titles and academic achievements. Thomson plans to pursue his Master’s Degree and a career in public administration, leaving behind a legacy of triumph and a strong emphasis on academic excellence in athletics.

Big Changes at Chelsea High School as Andrew Thomson Bids Farewell

In a heartfelt announcement that has left many in the community feeling nostalgic, Andrew Thomson has decided to step down as the Head Varsity Boys and Girls Swimming Coach at Chelsea High School. The news was shared by the Chelsea School District through a social media post on April 25, 2025, marking the end of an era for both the coach and his devoted swimmers.

A Coaching Journey of Impact

Thomson’s journey in Chelsea began over 17 years ago. He spent the initial 11 years as an assistant coach before taking the reins as the head coach for the boys and girls swimming programs six years ago. His coaching philosophy was heavily influenced by his predecessor, Dave Jolly, who acted as a mentor, shaping Thomson’s approach to leadership and development in the sport.

Before he even knew the Chelsea community existed, Thomson unknowingly set the wheels in motion for his coaching career while applying for a job with the Chelsea Aquatic Club right before graduating from the University of Michigan. It was this opportunity that opened the door for what would become a fulfilling coaching vocation.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Under Thomson’s guidance, the Chelsea swim teams reached incredible heights, achieving unprecedented success. The boys swimming team captured back-to-back state runner-up titles in 2014 and 2015 and experienced a resurgence in 2025 by clinching their first Southeastern Conference (SEC) title since 2015. Meanwhile, the girls team didn’t lag behind, finishing fourth in the state in 2019 and winning four consecutive SEC championships over the last four years.

One of the most notable statistics from Thomson’s tenure is the development of athletes. He celebrated an impressive total of 60 all-conference athletes and 28 all-state athletes during his time. Moreover, the academic success of his teams has been equally impressive, with 59 academic all-conference accolades and 50 academic all-state honors for seniors in the last six years. This commitment to academics led both the boys and girls teams to achieve the coveted academic all-state team honors for every year under his guidance.

Looking to the Future

As Thomson prepares to embark on a new path, he plans to focus on completing his Master’s Degree and pursuing a career in public administration. His journey toward this degree has taken him through attempts to further his studies three times following the COVID pandemic, but he has yet to see it through to completion. While this transition marks a significant change, Thomson expressed that he will always cherish the memories made while coaching and the daily interactions with his student-athletes.

In reflecting on his time at Chelsea High School, Thomson described the community as a welcoming place filled with wonderful students. He feels a sense of fulfillment knowing the positive impact he has had on the athletes he coached and looks forward to continuing his involvement in coaching in a different capacity in his new location.

Final Thoughts

Thomson’s departure from Chelsea High School is indeed bittersweet. He leaves behind not only a legacy of triumph in swimming but also a strong emphasis on academics, a hallmark of his coaching style. The community will undoubtedly miss his leadership and passion for the sport. As he takes this next step in his career, the mark he has left will resonate with countless student-athletes, and his influence will continue to inspire generations to come.

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