About Us

 

Welcome to the home of the Achievers!  Village Student-Athlete Academy was founded in 2016 by Darrell and Rikkia Thompson.  Having the knowledge and experience of having their oldest children, Robert and Christiana, obtain athletic scholarships, the Thompson’s wanted to share the blueprint with others.  Noticing the need of academic support and life guidance among local student-athletes, Darrell, Rikkia and friends (The Village) gave support to student-athletes who wanted to be in better academic standing and wanted to play their respective sport on the collegiate level.   “It takes a village to raise a child.”  VSAA is the place for the student-athlete to become an ACHIEVER.

Darrell Thompson – Founder

BA, University of Maryland

MS,  Adelphi University, Sport Management

As a youth, Darrell was an all-around athlete who played baseball, basketball and ran track.  He was a Three-Year Varsity Track and Field athlete at Penn Hills Sr. High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  During his college years, Darrell stayed involved with athletics which he coached Intramural Basketball.  He later continued coaching his oldest son, Robert, on the AAU youth level.  Professionally, Darrell has over 20 years of sales, management and marketing experience.  He obtained his B.A. degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and his Masters of Science in Sports Management from Adelphi University.  His passion to help student-athletes succeed in life led Darrell and his wife, Rikkia, to become founders of VSAA based in New Jersey.  His career with top Fortune 500 companies along with his involvement with youth sports has prepared him to cultivate his passion and skills for VSAA.

 

Rikkia Thompson – President

BBA, Temple University, Accounting

Rikkia was an avid soccer player and garnered the opportunity to play on the collegiate level.  She was able to transition her competitiveness and team work ethic to the professional world.  Rikkia is a graduate of Temple University’s Fox School of Business.  She has over 20 years of knowledge as an accountant and operations manager in the Non-Profit sector.  She has managed professionals at top levels and has experience coaching individuals as young as 3 years of age.  Her devotion and passion to help student-athletes meet their potential led her and husband, Darrell, to begin the foundation of VSAA.   Together, they have raised, coached and mentored their three children, Robert, Christiana, and Christopher.

Robert Thompson – Vice President

BS, Old Dominion University, Finance

MBA, Old Dominion

Robert has many accolades since graduating from St. Joseph High School in Hammonton, New Jersey.  Rob was a two sport Varsity Athlete for football and track and Field, served as President for Student Government and was part of National Honor Society.  In 2012, he won the Non-Public B indoor 55-meter hurdles championship along with assisting the football team with 3 State Championships.  Rob graduated high school early to attend Old Dominion University on a full-ride athletic scholarship.  While taking on football responsibilities he held three jobs, two in the admissions department and one in the athletic department.  As a tour guide and parent transition panel speaker, Rob helped freshman students understand the experience his university offered.  In his role as an Accounting Assistant in the Athletic business department, he helped account for the school’s large athletic budget.  He has always understood professionalism is just as important as athleticism.

On the field, Robert had significant contributions, finishing his Senior year starting at Safety and recording 45 tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups.  Recognized for his on and off-field work ethic, he was selected by Old Dominion for nomination for the prestigious 2017 Fidelity National Student-Athlete of the Year Award.  Robert was able to finish his Business degree in Finance in 3 years with honors and in May 2017 with his MBA while serving as Treasurer for Collective Uplift at Old Dominion.