Women's History Month 2024

 

 

women's history month

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

Melissa Blessington
Ottawa (Kan.)
Director of Volleyball

Brieana Delgado

Brieana Delgado
Central Methodist (Mo.)
Women's Wrestling

Sarah Gayler

Sarah Gayler
Brescia (Ky.)
Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Epifani Jones

Epifani Jones
Lourdes (Ohio)
Men's/Women's Tennis

Martha Linscott

Martha Linscott
Park (Mo.)
Men's/Women's Golf

Candace Moats

Candace Moats
Indiana Wesleyan
Women's Volleyball

Jessica Pistole

Jessica Pistole
Southern Oregon
Softball

 

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.

Access her bio

 

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.

Access her bio

 

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.

Access her bio

 

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.

Access her bio

 

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.

Access her bio

 

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.

Access her bio

 

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.

Access her bio

 

Follow us for more

Follow the NAIA's office social media channels for more content celebrating the women of the NAIA year round!

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Resources for Woman Leaders

SWL Resources

Member recommended books, podcasts, websites, etc.

Click here

RISE Resources

Belonging, Bias, Equality vs. Equity, and more!

Click here