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A few days after being named as Frederick Community College's women's basketball coach, Monique Thompkins still had trouble finding the words to describe how thrilled she was about being at the end of the Cougars' bench.

"There's no words to really describe it," Thompkins said in a press release. "It's amazing. It's a great opportunity. I cannot tell you how happy I am. It's a dream come true and it's nice to know that people have so much confidence in what I can do."

Thompkins takes over for FCC longtime head coach Jack Mehl, who stepped down recently after 18 years at the helm. She served as an assistant under Mehl during the 2009-2010 campaign, specializing on post players and was formally announced as Mehl's successor on March 26.

"I feel that Coach Thompkins is going to be a tremendous asset to the program with the knowledge and enthusiasm that she brings," FCC Athletic Director Tom Jandovitz said in a press release. "I am excited about her desire to jump right in and get started with recruiting and off season activities."

Over the past couple of years Thompkins has enrolled in a few classes at FCC. Having kept an eye on the women's basketball team, she ran into Mehl one day on campus and asked if he needed any help. She joined the team shortly after.

Prior to joining Mehl's staff, Thompkins coached at Montgomery County's Walter Johnson High. She's also helped out in local youth leagues and has made appearances at a number of summer camps. After staring at Prince George's County's Parkdale High, Thompkins played collegiate basketball at both Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and San Diego's U.S. International University (now Alliant International University).

Thompkins plans to keep a keen eye on Frederick County's high school talent.

"I believe that you recruit home first," Thompkins said. "Whatever you can't find at home, you look for outside. You have to get the girls from the county. I just think that has to happen."

Although she's been on the job for less than a week, Thompkins has already tapped into the area's hoop's talent pool. On Tuesday she added longtime Walkersville assistant Rick Little to her staff.

"I appreciate the opportunity that Tom Jandovitz and Monique have given me," Little said in a press release. "We have similar priorities and philosophies. She will be successful for sure."

FCC finished 9-15 this past season.