Leadership

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 is from Crosby, Texas. She played for the Queen Bees from 1977-1981. Merrill retired in June 2020 from serving 39 incredible years in education and has called Huntington Beach, California home for the past 37 years.

She says being involved with and serving on the HFQF Board has and continues to be a blessing. Merrill says “Reconnecting with former Queens and meeting current Queens through the foundation is incredible!” If you would like to learn more about Darla please read her player’s story.

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.

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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.

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