Kenny & Judy Thomas Scholarship established for baseball players

The University of South Carolina - Aiken established an endowed scholarship for Kenny Thomas, a former longtime baseball coach, and his wife, Judy.

Kenny Thomas, commonly known as Coach T on campus, served the USC Aiken community as Pacer’s baseball coach before retiring to Hilton Head Island after the Spring 2021 semester.

Funding was a community effort; the university, alumni, friends and family members took part in making the scholarship a reality. To donate, contact the Advancement Office at 803-641-3518.

Kenny Thomas said, “Judy and I are so honored to have the endowed scholarship in our name. For 22 years, we lived and breathed the atmosphere of USC Aiken Pacers. To know our names will last there for many years to come is an unbelievable honor.”

Gerry Owens, USC Aiken class of ‘96 alum, Aiken Partnership Board member, and financial advisor at Edward Jones, became friends with Thomas over the years and “felt like it would be a great honor for him to have a scholarship endowed in his name,” Owens said.

Owens met Thomas through his brother-in-law, Zach Cooper, a class of ‘07 alum who won the gold baseball glove on display at the Roberta Hernandez Stadium. He fondly recalled stopping by Coach T’s Diner that used to be at the corner of Whiskey Road and Price Avenue.

To be eligible for the Kenny & Judy Thomas scholarship, one must be a baseball player with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and demonstrate leadership qualities.

The scholarship is expected to open late this spring or next fall and is likely to be a singular scholarship that offers scholars $500 a year. The Office of Financial Aid will release more information when the scholarship becomes available.

“Thank you to all who helped make this happen,” Thomas said.