After playing in the Elite 8 game versus University of North Carolina, 2013 graduate Lili Thompson helped Stanford secure a Final Four NCAA Division I appearance against University of Connecticut (UCONN) this Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee.

“There is a mixture of pride and nervous energy,” Basketball Coach Kit Martin, who coached Thompson last year, said. “She is playing so well right now, it is a joy to behold.”

Thompson scored 10 points, grabbed four rebounds, had three assists and two steals during the game on April 1.

“It’s surreal,” she said. “I went to the Final Four last year just to watch and now that I’ll be on the other side (it) is a crazy feeling.”

The starting point guard said she isn’t nervous.

“I’m looking forward to how relaxed I know my team will play,” Thompson said. “We have no pressure on us and we just want to go ‘crash the party.’”

Thompson’s success has inspired athletes like senior Megan Badejo.

“Her success gives me hope,” Badejo said. “(It) makes me feel like I can accomplish great things too because she came from the same beginnings as me and achieved greatness.”

The coach said she is very proud of her former student.

“It is simply an amazing feat as a freshman that Lili has done such a tremendous job in her freshmen campaign,” Martin said.

The game airs at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.

“She has proven that she can hold her own against anyone,” Martin said. “Their draw in game one is UCONN, who has held the number one spot in the country all season. The task is formidable, but definitely doable.”

The local support has been important, Thompson said.

“I (am) thankful to everyone who has tweeted me or hit me up on Instagram,” she said. “I appreciate all of the support and it’s nice to know that I have people from back home in my corner.”

Badejo will be watching the game.

“This is only the beginning for (Lili),” she said. “She is going to make waves for Stanford basketball in the years to come.”

Thompson has remained close to her former coach.

“She’s given me inspirational messages and support all season,” Thompson said. “I still talk to a lot of my teachers and coaches from Tview.”

This is the first time a THS graduate has played in the NCAA and Martin plans to be there to cheer her on.

“I am traveling to Nashville to watch her play live,” she said. “It will be a first to watch a former player on the Final Four stage and I intend to enjoy every second of it.”