How One Student Found His Place on the Field and on Stage

When Cory Thompson ’26 began looking at new schools, he had two goals: to continue competing in athletics and stay involved in music. At many schools, that would have meant choosing one or the other.

At La Jolla Country Day School, he didn’t have to choose.

Instead, Cory found a place where teachers and coaches worked together to make both possible. Now a senior committed to playing football at Wheaton College in Illinois, Cory has spent the past two years doing exactly that—competing on the field while performing on stage.

Cory first learned about LJCDS after meeting Choir Educator Caroline Becker at an audition. As he and his family looked more closely, they saw something that stood out. Along with strong academic programs, LJCDS also offered a competitive athletic program and opportunities in the arts, and the expectation that students could pursue both.

Cory approached Performing Arts Educator Jim Short, Ph.D., about being in the musical and playing baseball even though their schedules overlapped. “He said it wasn’t a problem,” shared Cory. “He said we’d get this figured out, and told me to focus on auditioning the best I could.”

Dr. Short met with Baseball Coach John Edman, and they built a schedule that allowed Cory to fully commit to both baseball and the musical. “They sat down together and put in the work to figure it out,” Cory said. “They sent me a schedule, baseball one day, rehearsal the next. It was split evenly. It blew my mind; I was so excited! They work together here and find solutions.”

With that support in place, Cory auditioned for the school musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and earned the lead role as Joseph.

“I was surprised,” he said. “I’ve been singing, but I didn’t have any experience in a musical, and there was tough competition.”

Still, he leaned on preparation. “If you put in the work, you can do anything you set your mind to,” Cory said.

That same mindset carried over to athletics. As a football captain, Cory led his team through a strong season before an injury sidelined him. He returned in time for baseball, continuing to balance both.

“I got the best of both worlds. I’m so glad I made the switch to Country Day. No regrets.”

From the beginning, Ms. Becker saw potential in Cory. “When a singer makes me sit up and truly listen… that’s when I know they are special,” she said. “That was the case with Cory.”

Over time, that potential developed through consistent work. “He came here eager to learn,” Ms. Becker said. “His work ethic makes you want to invest in his growth.”

For Cory, that support made a difference. “You realize what you’re capable of when someone shows you how,” he said. “I’ve been playing piano for 10 years, but one of my goals was to sing at the same time, which I did during my first concert here. Ms. Becker also helped me with my technique. She expanded my range, like probably three or four notes.”

He also traveled with the choir to New York, performing at Carnegie Hall—an experience he had never imagined before coming to LJCDS. Back on campus, he often spends free time at the piano, working through new songs between classes.

In two years, Cory joined the Madrigals, played football and baseball, sang the lead in the musical, performed at Carnegie Hall, and mentored younger students.

“Being a Torrey means being a well-rounded student who engages fully and lifts others up,” Ms. Becker said. “Cory has done all of that. What has impressed me most, however, is the way he gives back. He has a huge heart. The seventh-grade boys look up to him after he took the time to sing with them. He genuinely cares and shows up to support those around him.”

Cory says one of the things that makes LJCDS so special is the sense of community. 

“From the first day I showed up for summer football practice, I’ve been welcomed by everyone. I have friends on every sports team, in theater, art, design and innovation, and Model UN. There are so many different groups, and everybody’s so interconnected and active and involved in this school. We’re encouraged to try new things. The teachers want the best for you. Whether that’s on the field or on stage, they want you to be able to do what you care about.”