The Rhodes College Soccer office is pleased to announce the addition of Jimmy Tharpe to the Men's and Women's coaching staff for the 2010 season.  “We are excited to add Jimmy to our coaching staff, said women's head coach Joe Vari.  "I had the opportunity to not only coach Jimmy but I also worked with him while at Lynchburg and I know that he will bring a great deal of knowledge and passion to both programs.”

Tharpe will join the Lynx from Lynchburg College in VA, where he was a player and also a Graduate Assistant. In 3 seasons at Lynchburg, Tharpe helped the Hornets to a 41-10-8 record including a 17-2-3 mark this past season. In 2009 the Hornets recorded their first ever NCAA victory, eventually losing in the 2^nd round on PK's, and their 2^nd ODAC title in 4 years. 

Tharpe was also the director for the Lynchburg College Showcase which brought 500 participants and over 47 teams to the Lynchburg campus for a weekend tournament. He also found success with the Women's Showcase, bringing in 210 participants and 18 teams.

The Manassas, VA native was a four year starter for the Hornets and was part of the team that first brought back the ODAC title to Lynchburg ending a 20 year drought. It was also the first time the program returned to the NCAA tournament in as many years. Tharpe was voted team captain in 2006 and received ODAC All-Academic Team honors all four years. 

Tharpe graduated with a Masters of Education from Lynchburg College in May 2009. He holds a USSF “D” Coaching license. He is currently pursuing a personal trainer certification and also the NSCAA National Diploma this summer.