After two rough seasons, Jessica Vormelker has watched her team make progress.
The third-year Thiel College women’s basketball coach has guided the Tomcats to a 3-3 record in the early going.
Thiel has recorded recent wins over Penn State Shenango 82-67, Alfred State 79-71 and Buffalo State 71-51.
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“Having three wins under our belts at this point of the season is a huge testament to the work of our players have put, as well as our entire coaching staff,” Vormelker, a Grand Valley graduate, said. “We are grateful to see the fruits of our hard work showing us results. As we continue to grow, we look forward to more success as the season goes on.”
In Vormelker’s first two seasons as head coach, Thiel went winless.
“As a program, we have made huge strides since last season,” she said. “The student-athletes are really invested and taking ownership of what we are building and it’s been real exciting to see that unfold.”
Vormelker praised her coaching staff, which consists of assistant Cameron Austin, Nevaeh Ewing and Chris Rubino, volunteer assistants Dave Shaffer and Dan McMillen, and student assistants.
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“They are a huge blessing to the athletes and especially myself,” Vormelker said.
Vormelker said the team has been locked in for the 2025-26 campaign.
“The players have really been all-in since the season started,” she said. “They are more hungry than ever to buy in and do this for each other.”
Since last season ended, Vormelker said the Tomcats are focusing on both on and off the court activities.
“As much as they’ve been working on skills, they have completely taken ownership of the culture we are building,” she said. “What we do is so much bigger than basketball.”
Vormelker had the chance to see some familiar county high school teams during a recent exhibition game at Youngstown State University.
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“I was only able to say ‘Hi,’ but I’m really excited to see them in action this season,” she said.
A couple weeks ago, Vormelker was selected for the 55th class of the NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA) in Indianapolis.
WCA Class No. 55 featured 78 women coaches from across NCAA Divisions I, II and III, as well as the NAIA and NJCAA.
Vormelker, also selected for the 2023 NCAA Basketball Coaches Academy, was one of three Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) coaches selected for the class.
“The time I was able to spend at the WeCoach Women’s Coaches Academy in Indianapolis was truly life-changing,” she said. “I am very thankful for the opportunity I had, learning and growing from other female coaches.”
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One of those was former Stanford legendary head coach Tara VanDerveer, who retired in 2024.
VanDerveer, who guided Stanford to three Division I national championships, finished with a head coaching record of 1,216-271.
“It was something I will never forget,” Vormelker said. “I am so blessed.”
