In the CIS coaching ranks, Jessica Baskerville, assistant coach of the Thompson Rivers University Men’s Volleyball Program is a double anomaly; a female coach, coaching a men’s team.  Factor into the equation her age (twenty-two), field of study (Bachelor of Science Nursing), academic standing (Dean’s Honor List) and you have a young woman who is setting a new standard for role models, female or otherwise.

Jessica is quick to clarify, “It’s not about age, it’s not about gender, it’s about leadership ability. I have learned through perseverance that the best way to change antiquated views and stereotypical attitudes about women in sports is by exhibiting strong leadership skills – leaders build leaders.” Jessica’s commitment to coaching and leadership has not gone unnoticed, she is the recipient of over twenty awards and accolades including the YMCA/YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, Bobbie Steen Legacy Foundation Award and the Volleyball Canada Special Recognition Award.

In her fifth year of studies at Thompson Rivers University, Jessica is first to admit her post secondary journey has been very different than the majority of her varsity and university peers.  For three years, Jessica was a member of the UCC/TRU Women’s Volleyball Program.  “As a varsity athlete, my goal was to help lead my team to a CIS Gold Medal, but my world turned upside down when I sustained a sport-related injury.”  An MRI revealed Jessica had ripped the muscle lining the hip joint, major surgery followed.  After a year of recovery and therapy, her hip would eventually heal.

Jessica credits Ken Olynyk, Director TRU Athletics & Recreation and Pat Hennelly, Head Coach of the TRU Men’s WolfPack Volleyball Program with helping her through a tough time in her life. “Ken and Pat were unbelievably supportive, through their actions they demonstrated what true leadership is”. Ken Olynyk reiterates the mutual feeling of respect, “When you look up the word ‘perseverance’ in the dictionary there is a picture of Jessica.  She is a constant reminder of why we love to be involved in sports and athletic pursuits.  When I think of individuals who make an impact on our athletic division and our University, I think of Jessica.” 
 
Head Coach Pat Hennelly offered Jessica  the opportunity to become an Assistant Coach of the TRU Men’s WolfPack Volleyball Program.  Hennelly speaks with pride of Jessica’s contribution to the success of his WolfPack team the past two years,  “To become a successful head coach at the Elite level requires more than a love the sport and on court coaching experience.  Administrative experiences, strong organizational skills, the ability to work with the local community and partner organizations are key assets.  Jessica has proven over and over, she is the total package.” 
Jessica and Pat were recently selected by ProMOTION Plus, the Coaches Association of BC and the BC Games Society to participate in the new FEMALE COACH/MENTOR APPRENTICE PROGRAM. The program pairs up experienced coaches with women who are interested in pursuing a career in coaching or in developing their training to a higher level.   The goal is to increase the number of qualified female coaches starting at the club and provincial level, moving toward the national and international level in the future. 
Steve Manuel, Director High Performance Volleyball BC, echoes Jessica’s dedication and commitment to the sport of volleyball, “Jessica is a Volleyball BC success story; she excelled as an athlete in our youth club system, went on to achieve success as a varsity athlete at the College and University level and gives selflessly of her time as a high performance coach within our Elite program.  Jessica has overcome adversity and continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership ability; she is an outstanding role model.”
With a trip to CIS Nationals on the horizon, Jessica has regained her confidence and her focus, “My Mom always told me ‘Everything happens for a reason’. As a member of the TRU WolfPack Men’s Volleyball team, I fully realize the passion and hard work required developing a winning CIS volleyball program.”
Jessica believes the team’s success is based on creating relationships built on mutual respect, “I respect the guys and they treat me with respect, and together we are working towards achieving our shared dream of winning a CIS National Championship.”  This year, The WolfPack won their first ever CIS Medal: A Bronze.