A Message from Valerie Goodwin-Colbert
2025 Year in Review
Dear Flying Queens Foundation Members and Friends,
As we close out 2025, I look back with gratitude for each of you who continues to champion the Flying Queens legacy. The excellence, generosity, and teamwork that define this program were evident throughout 2025. From record-breaking performances on the court to renewed commitments off it, the Flying Queens spirit remains as strong as ever.
Here are highlights from an exceptional year.
January – Strong Membership Start
The 2025 Membership Campaign closed on January 31 with 77 members: 51 Voting, 9 Legacy, 1 Recent Graduate, and 14 Associate. Members can join or renew each December with the annual dues notice and President’s Report. The membership campaign formerly runs from January 1-31 of the new year.
March – A Season to Remember
The Flying Queens finished the 2024–25 season 26–5, reaching the second round of the NAIA National Tournament.
Megan Nestor, a 6’4” junior from St. Lucia, earned SAC Player of the Year, NAIA First Team All-American, and NCCAA Player of the Year honors while setting three new rebounding records.
Graduate Kaitlyn Jerden joined the 1,000-point club, finishing 9th all-time with 1,805 points, and earned First Team All-SAC and Third Team NCCAA All-American honors.
In March, Head Coach Jason Cooper stepped down to lead the girls’ program at Lubbock Frenship Memorial High School.
April – New Leadership on the Sidelines
Jordan Vessels became the 15th head coach in Flying Queens history after six seasons as an assistant and operations director for the Texas Tech Lady Raiders.
Ongoing – Preserving the Legacy
The History & Honors Committee continues to track nominations to state and national halls of fame and submits new applications when opportunities arise.
As of the end of 2025, Flying Queens nominees remain under consideration with:
• The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
• The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
• The Texas Sports Hall of Fame
• The Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame
• The WBU Athletics Hall of Honor
October – Honoring Excellence and Securing the Future
At the Wayland Baptist Athletics Hall of Honor ceremony, Jill Rankin Schneider received the Harley Redin Coaches’ Award following her retirement and 2025 UIL Class 5A Division II State Championship at Lubbock Monterey.
That same weekend, the Foundation honored Alice “Cookie” Barron and Kaye Garms for their planned gifts to the Museum and Foundation. The Flying Queens Museum also introduced refreshed exhibits and added new videos especially for the occasion.
The HFQF Golf Tournament, now at Plainview Country Club, raised $20,385—a $6,000 increase over 2024.
Later in the month, the Foundation approved the hiring of Cheryl McCann as bookkeeper. Cheryl will support the treasurer with financial tracking for the Foundation and Museum, quarterly reports, and year-end donation letters
November & December – Looking Ahead
At the Annual Meeting, members elected Sharla Harrison Rich and Christie Shippy-Weigle to the Board and re-elected Elaine Shulte Barnes, Rosemary Bowser, and Kathy Harston to a second three-year term.
On Nov. 25, the Flying Queens defeated Oklahoma Panhandle State University, 70-47, for the Flying Queens program’s 1800th win. The banner was unveiled before the game against Texas Wesleyan on Dec. 6.
During the December Board Meeting and Officers Election, the following women were elected for 2026:
Valerie Goodwin-Colbert, president; Darla Merrill, 1st vp; Rosemary Brown Bowser, secretary; Trina Bryant Bassett, treasurer; Darla Ford, 2nd vp for team support; and Dawn Hilburn, 2nd vp for membership/marketing. The position of 2nd VP for Fundraising/Social Activities remains open.
Building Bridges in 2026 – A New Mentorship Program
A new and exciting initiative for 2026 is the launch of a mentorship program connecting current Flying Queens players with Foundation members. This program will be developed in partnership with Head Coach Jordan Vessels and is supported by Wayland Baptist University President Dr. Donna Hedgepath. It seeks to create meaningful relationships between generations of Queens, offering guidance, encouragement, and connection that extend far beyond the court. It has been a dream of mine since joining the Board, and I’m thrilled to see it come to life.
Closing Reflections
As we look toward 2026, I’m inspired by your dedication and generosity. Together, we’re preserving a proud legacy while creating new opportunities for generations to come.
Thank you for your trust, your generosity, and your commitment to this extraordinary program. I’m honored to serve alongside you, and I look forward to all we will achieve together in 2026.
With gratitude and Flying Queens pride,
Valerie Goodwin-Colbert
President, Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation