Celebrating the Women Coaches of the NAIA
Cheers to the incredible women coaches of the NAIA who inspire, empower, and redefine greatness on and off the field.
Breaking Barriers, Shaping Champions
We asked a few of our coaches to share their perspectives on the importance of women in the coaching workspace.
Click on each name below to watch the interviews.
Melissa Blessington |
Brieana Delgado |
Sarah Gayler |
Epifani Jones |
Martha Linscott |
Candace Moats |
Jessica Pistole |
Melissa Blessington
Ottawa (Kan.)
Director of Volleyball
As director of volleyball at Ottawa, Melissa Blessington coaches the Women’s Volleyball and Beach Volleyball teams and was responsible for starting the Men’s Volleyball program in 2015. Blessington is an advocate for women in leadership roles and a source of inspiration for many. She is committed to breaking barriers and promoting diversity, which underscores her vision for a more inclusive and equitable landscape in the world of athletics.
Brieana Delgado
Central Methodist (Mo.)
Women's Wrestling Head Coach
As a former wrestling student-athlete, Brieana Delgado brings a unique passion to her coaching role and was responsible for building the women's wrestling program at Central Methodist from the ground up. Delgado advocates for increased representation of women in coaching, fostering inclusivity and diversity in wrestling.
Sarah Gayler
Brescia (Ky.)
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Sarah Gayler has a diverse background from her days as a student-athlete to coaching a men's basketball team in the NBA G League. She champions the empowerment of women in leadership roles and encourages them to pursue leadership positions with confidence. Her unwavering belief is that women can excel in any field they choose to pursue.
Epifani Jones
Lourdes (Ohio)
Head Men's & Women's Tennis Coach
During the 2022-2023 season, Epifani Jones led Lourdes' men's tennis squad to their first winning record in the program's history. Jones is devoted to helping her students develop both as athletes and as individuals, and is committed to paving the way for more women in the coaching realm.
Martha Linscott
Park (Mo.)
Head Men's & Women's Golf Coach
Martha Linscott is a successful golfer and the head coach for both Men's and Women's Golf teams at Park. In 2020-21, her leadership led the women's team to their first Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship. Beyond the court, Linscott is an advocate for women in sports and coaching, promoting inclusivity and empowerment. She is a trailblazer in the golfing community, dedicated to breaking down barriers and fostering diversity.
Candace Moats
Indiana Wesleyan
Head Women's Volleyball Coach
Candace Moats led Indiana Wesleyan's volleyball program to its first National Championship in 2023. As a former volleyball student-athlete, Moats inspires young women to pursue their dreams, believe in themselves, and embrace their potential for success. Her journey serves as a testament to breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of women in the world of volleyball and coaching.
Jessica Pistole
Southern Oregon
Head Softball Coach
Jessica Pistole is a former All-American softball student-athlete with an unmatched ability to foster a winning culture, making her the program's winningest coach. As a mother of four girls, Pistole understands the importance of women coaches in sports and works to inspire her athletes, highlighting the potential for leadership regardless of gender or background.
Follow us for more
Follow the NAIA's office social media channels for more content celebrating the women of the NAIA year round!
Celebrating Women's History Month ✨
— NAIA (@NAIA) March 1, 2024
Throughout March, join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of women within our association. They inspire, transform, and break barriers every day. #WomensHistoryMonth #NAIARISE pic.twitter.com/pi74QEtoZV
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— NAIA (@NAIA) February 24, 2024
Congrats to Grace Beyer of @UHSPEutectics, the new #NAIAWBB all-time career scoring leader!!! #PlayNAIA pic.twitter.com/ipbCcFs9zG
#TBT honoring #BlackHistoryMonth ✊��
— NAIA (@NAIA) February 29, 2024
Dr. @KikiBakerBarnes is the first African American woman in the NAIA to become a Conference Commissioner and is known as someone who leads, builds, and transforms people.
Celebrate black excellence with us: https://t.co/9NVDvHoExR#NAIARISE pic.twitter.com/CWIYiivFXn
Resources for Woman Leaders
Women's History
Check out past celebrations: