Chevy Thompson Signs with USW Mustangs

By Don Eskins

Carlsbad High linkster Chevy Thompson, who has played his way onto the All-District 4/5A Golf Team for the past three years, is on his way to compete at the next level.

The former Caveman and 2026 graduate of CHS made it official on Tuesday, May 19, by signing a letter of intent to tee it up with the University of the Southwest Mustangs during the 2026-27 school year.

USW, located in Hobbs, is an NAIA school that competes in the Red River Athletic Conference.

The Mustangs have reeled off back-to-back RRAC championships for the past two seasons. During the Stangs’ 2026 campaign, they upped their level of success a step further by qualifying to compete in the NAIA National Golf Tournament, which took place at TPC Deere Run in Silvas, IL.

Thompson, who carded a four-over-par 76 at the 2026 District 4/5A tournament in Clovis, said he’s looking forward to the challenges he’ll face at the collegiate level and as a member of the USW golf team.

“I’ve wanted to play collegiately for quite some time,” said Thompson. “And as my game has gotten better, especially over the past two years, even more so.

“I realize that teeing up collegiately will be very competitive. But so will be making the varsity at USW. Everybody will be returning from a team that made it to nationals. So, just breaking into the top six, which travel, will be really challenging,” he said.

“But I like the fact that I’ll be part of such a good program. It’s programs like USW’s that help you get better. I understand that there’s going to be some tough challenges, but I’m ready for them.”

The USW-bound Thompson credits CHS for helping him prepare to play at the next level.

“I’ve had some great coaching at Carlsbad High for the past several years. I’ve learned a great deal and gotten a lot of encouragement from Cavemen head coach Brian Jones and his staff, assistant coaches Tyler Ortega, Matt Enloe, and my dad, Chad, also a member of the Cavemen staff,” he said.

“Also, being able to practice and play at the Lake Carlsbad Municipal Course has really helped a lot. Always in good shape, it’s a great course to compete on.”

The Journey to USW

Thompson, who had opportunities to play at two other schools, said the major reason he signed with the Stangs was because of the USW head golf coach RJ Lester.

“Coach Lester watched me play at our season-opener in Lovington this past season,” said the former Caveman. “After our meet there, he began communicating with me about becoming part of his program.

“I really like him and what he had to say to me. I also think he’s done an incredibly good job at USW,” he said. “Because of him and the job he’s done there, I think playing golf with the Mustangs will be a good fit for me.”

However, there was yet another very good reason Thompson chose to sign with the Mustangs.

“I like the fact that I’ll just be an hour away from Carlsbad,” he said. “It will be an easy drive up to Hobbs for my family to come up and watch me play.

“It’ll also be an easy drive for me,” he chuckled, “when I’m ready for some of mom’s good home cooking.”

The son of Chad and Julia Thompson, Chevy plans to major in business at USW.