A 2010 graduate of Reno, Nevada's McQueen High School, Thurber was a 4-year varsity starter, for the Lancers, that batted .398 this past season and led her team in runs scored with 34, while sporting a .468 on-base percentage.

Thurber was named Second Team All-League for the 4A North-High Desert league, and was an All-State nominee. Thurber was also active in many community service projects like the Truckee River clean-up project, the Northern Nevada Food Bank and St. Vincent's Dining Room.