Wayland Baptist University Athletics has named Jordan Vessels the 15th Head Coach in Flying Queens history.
“I am beyond honored and incredibly humbled to be named the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Wayland Baptist University. This is a dream I have worked towards for years, and to have my first head coaching opportunity come from a program as legendary as the Flying Queens – means everything to me,” said Vessels.
She continued, “I feel a deep sense of responsibility and pride to lead a team with such a rich history of excellence, toughness, and tradition. I’m filled with gratitude, excitement, and a fire to give my absolute best every single day.”
Vessels has served as an Assistant Coach and the Director of Operations for the Texas Tech Lady Raider basketball program for the past six years. Prior to joining the Lady Raider staff, Vessels had previous coaching stops at West Texas A&M (graduate assistant) and UT-Arlington (two seasons as director of operations and two seasons as assistant coach).
During her first four years at Texas Tech, Vessels was tasked with managing the program’s budget and coordinating travel operations. She was then promoted to assistant coach before the start of the 2023-24 season where she assumed a key player development role.
Vessels is mighty familiar with West Texas – being born and raised in Canyon, Texas then attending West Texas A&M University. She played all four of her collegiate seasons at West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas – playing in 126 career game, tied for 9th most in program history.
“Jordan Vessels quickly rose to the top of the candidate pool, bringing a proven track record of leadership, player development, and a deep knowledge of the South Plains and Texas Panhandle,” said Wayland Baptist Director of Athletics Jim Giacomazzi.
Giacomazzi continued praising the qualities in Vessels, “I believe her passion and understanding of the game, at multiple levels, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to build on the rich tradition of the Flying Queens program. I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Jordan Vessels as our next head coach.”
Vessels has a vision for how she wants to build the Flying Queen program – through faith and establishing a winning culture.
“My vision for the Flying Queens is to build a winning culture led by servant leaders – women who compete with passion, lead with humility, and serve others with purpose. I’m a believer with strong personal faith, guided by a deep moral compass and a commitment to uplifting those around me,” Vessels expressed.
“Through trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to something bigger than ourselves, I believe we can build a program that wins on and off the court – and honors the legacy of the Flying Queens.”
Wayland Baptist University Athletics will make the hiring of Vessels official with a press conference inside the foyer at the Hutcherson Center beginning at 11:00 AM.
