The Foundation is governed by a set of bylaws and a code of ethics that guides the work of a Board of Directors from whom our officers are elected. Board meetings are held quarterly along with an annual member meeting. An Advisory Board of former Board members and officers along with key supporters serve as a sounding board and provide suggestions to critical issues that arise.

Learn more about the leaders who are serving as officers for the Foundation in 2024.

Valerie Goodwin-Colbert

Presidentcoachvgc1@gmail.com(303) 520-6829

Valerie Goodwin-Colbert is from Forgan, Okla. where her teams won state in basketball and track & field. After playing for the Flying Queens, Goodwin-Colbert played for the Dallas Diamonds in the Women’s Basketball League. Her coaching career at Stephen F. Austin State University, Oklahoma State University, Missouri State University, University of Oklahoma, and Southwestern College (California) lasted almost 30 years. She was on the National Board for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association for six years and led the California Coaches Association as President for 12 years. In 2018 Goodwin-Colbert received the Harley Redin Coach’s Award from Wayland Baptist University. She says, “Coming full circle to give back to the Flying Queens is a dream come true”.

Darla Merrill

1st Vice Presidentdarlamerrillhfqf@gmail.com(714) 402-3884

More to come

Rosemary Brown Bowser

Secretaryrosemarybowser@gmail.com(806) 674-1748

Rosemary Bowser Bowser was born in tiny Talco in East Texas. She played basketball at Rivercrest High School for the late Coach Larry Tucker. After high school, she played two years at Ranger Jr. College and completed her basketball career as a Flying Queen and a two-time All-American. After college Bowser spent 34 years as an educator: 15 years at Amarillo High School as the Head Girls Basketball Coach/English teacher, two years as an assistant athletic director, and 17 years at Palo Duro High School as an assistant/associate principal. In 2023 Bowser was selected to the Wayland Baptist Athletics Hall of Honor.

Bowser has two daughters, Casey Boyd and Dannissa Pugh, and three grandchildren: Marcus Jr., Trinity Rose, and Kendy Reese. She is married to Mark Bowser and spends her time spoiling her grandchildren. Bowser also works in her church and for her son-in-law, Marcus Boyd who is the company’s vice president where she works.

Kathy Harston

Treasurerkathyharston@gmail.com(512) 656-1647

Hall of Famer Kathy Harston grew up in Southlake, Texas, and played for the Flying Queens from 1976-80. She graduated from Wayland in 1980 with bachelor’s degree in physical education. As a Flying Queen, Harston was a Kodak All-American and finalist for the 1980 Wade Trophy given to the national player of the year.

She had a stellar coaching career. Her 1986-87 Plainview Bulldog team won the Class 5A Texas State High School state championship. From 1989-2007 she served as an assistant coach at UT-Austin under Hall of Fame coach Jody Conradt.

Harston spent four years as basketball operations director for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols, then returned to the University of Texas in 2012 as senior associate AD, responsible for sport administration of six programs, including day-to-day oversight of women’s basketball. She recently was appointed to a four-year term to serve on the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Competition Committee.

Harston was inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Wayland Baptist Athletics Hall of Honor in 2008. In 2022 Harston received the Harley Redin Coach’s Award from Wayland Baptist University.

Sheri Knesek

Associate Treasurersheriknesek@gmail.com(713) 689-8524

Sheri stepped into a new role for the Foundation to provide addition support for the growing responsibilities of treasurer.

Leanne Waddell South

2nd Vice President for Membership/Marketingleanne.hfqf@gmail.com(979) 229-7600

Leanne Waddell South hails from a small West Texas town (McCamey) that played three-on-three half-court basketball in the 1970s. She transitioned to the full-court game at Wayland Baptist when she played for the Flying Queens from 1974-78. After college she coached and taught school for seven years, married her husband Dave, moved to Aggieland (Bryan-College Station) and worked for 20 years at Texas A&M University. Now busy in retirement, South tries to keep up with her granddaughter, now in college, and wants to give back to the Flying Queens program for its immeasurable impact on her life.

Darla Armes Ford

2nd Vice President for Team Supportforddarla28@gmail.com(602) 751-6163

Darla Armes Ford was born and raised in Gruver, Texas. Darla was a four year letterman for the Greyhounds that was coached by F.G. Crawford. She was a Converse National High School All-American and Carnation Prep All-American Girl Athlete in 1980. Darla played on the Flying Queens from 1980-1984; years packed with memorable college life experiences, hard work and dedication to the game, travel by private airplanes and forever friendships. Darla married Randy Ford during Christmas break of her Junior year. They live in Lubbock where they own and operate Desert Pool Service. Darla retired after 30 years in education. Son Tate and wife Tawnya live in Oregon CIty, OR; son Taos and wife Jennifer live in Lubbock,Texas; son Trey and wife Hilary live in Lubbock, Texas. The Fords enjoy pouring in the lives of their six grand children.

Position Open

2nd Vice President for Fund-Raising and Social Activities

Advisory Council (non-voting)

  • Lana Ballou
  • Alice (Cookie) Barron
  • Judy Bugher
  • Betty Donaldson
  • Kaye Garms
  • Sheri Knesek
  • Dr. Duffie Manning
  • Barbara McAninch
  • Dr. Sylvia Nadler
  • Linda Pickens Price
  • Cherri Rapp
  • Linda Tucker
  • Cathy Wilson