W30 Jessica Becker, who coaches prolific record-setter Myrle Mensey, also threw in ABQ, winning the shot (13.60 / 44-7 1/2), weight throw (13.46 / 44-2) and super weight (7.59
/ 24-11) in her first submasters outing at a masters meet. “She’s definitely a star to watch,” writes photographer Rob Jerome. “Myrle couldn’t say enough great things about her. She sends Jessica’s videos of her competitions, which Jessica analyzes. They met at a coaching convention and Jessica has helped with Myrle’s foundation for young women throwers.” Jessica is profiled as a coach in Hobbs, New Mexico. Very impressive background, including having won two NAIA national titles.

Here’s the college profile of Jessica:

The University of the Southwest Department of Athletics has announced the naming of two time NAIA national champion, Jessica Becker, as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Assistant Track & Field Coach for the Mustangs.

Jessica coaches W65 superstar Myrle. Rob Jerome photo

“I am pleased to announce the naming of Jessica Becker as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Assistant Track & Field Coach for our Mustang athletic program,” stated Vice President for Advancement and Director of Athletics William Weidner.

“Jessica brings a well-rounded coaching background at the intercollegiate level to our track and field program. As a two time NAIA National Champion, Jessica understands what it takes to successfully compete at the highest level. As a four time Academic All American who graduated Cum Lade, Jessica also understands the importance of excelling in the academic arena as well. Her extensive background and experience in the areas of strength and conditioning will benefit each of our 15 NAIA sport programs and the student-athletes that comprise our Mustang athletic program.”

A graduate of Bethany College, Becker became one of the most decorated student-athletes in the history of the institution. Becker claimed the 2008 NAIA Indoor National Championship in the Shot Put and was the 2009 NAIA Outdoor National Champion in the Shot Put as well. All told, in addition to her 2 National Championships, Becker was a 14 time NAIA National Championship Qualifier in which she competed in the Shot Put, Indoor Weight, Discus and Hammer Throw events while also claiming 2 National Championship Runner-Up Finishes in the 2009 Indoor Shot Put and the 2008 Outdoor Shot Put.

Becker’s performances in the Shot Put and Discus events dominated at the Conference level as she earned 6 KCAC Conference Championships representing Bethany College in those events. Her commitment to excellence in both the academic and athletic arenas were rewarded with national recognition as a 5 time NAIA Academic All-American. In addition, Becker had the distinction of being named as a 4 time recipient of Bethany College’s Female Athlete of the Year.

“I am very excited to join the USW family and help develop a culture of winning through the implementation of a well-rounded strength and conditioning program,” expressed Jessica Becker. “I look forward to helping all of the Mustang programs compete for Red River Conference titles and NAIA Championships. As the Assistant Track & Field Coach, I am honored to work alongside Coach Kavalunas. He has a great deal of track & field knowledge and I am excited to learn and help develop something special here at USW.”

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with a forward thinking and energetic staff,” continued Becker. “When you have the opportunity to train and develop student-athletes in a Christ centered environment, you will have success. Great things are in store for this University and the community of Hobbs.”

Jessica Becker comes to USW from Capitan Municipal Schools, her Alma Mater, where she served as the Athletic Director and Head Coach of the Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Teams. As Athletic Director, Becker oversaw 14 sport programs and had a significant role in the design and building of a 6000 square foot Weight Room Facility.

Her tenure also saw the construction of new throws facilities for the track & field program and the implementation of anew physical education and health curriculum. As Head Track & Field Coach,her program reached new heights with a school record number of student-athletes qualifying for state championship competition. Among the many student-athlete highlights in state championship competition under her watch, were the 3 state champions in the pole vault event.

Prior to her arrival at Capitan Municipal Schools, Becker held the position of Assistant Professor of Health, Physical Education and Athletic Training at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. In her role, Becker served as a department head of the HPEAT department and sat as a member of the Teacher Education department. While serving as a Professor at Bethany College, Becker also held the post of Assistant Track & Field Coach at Salina Central High School in Salina, Kansas and was responsible for coaching the shot put, discus and javelin throwing events. In addition, she created and directed the strength and conditioning program for the entire athletic department.

While serving as the Assistant Track& Field Coach and Cross Country Coach at Eastern New Mexico University, in Portales, New Mexico, Becker was responsible for the Throws, Jumps, Hurdles and Multi-Event student-athletes. During her tenure, ENMU claimed a Lone Star Conference Cross Country Championship and an NCAA South Central Region Cross Country Championship while qualifying for an NCAA Division II national championship berth.

Her student-athletes featured seven national qualifiers in the sport of track and field. Becker also held the position of Recruiting Coordinator for men’s and women’s track & field as well as Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for the track & field program during her stay.

From 2009-2011, Becker was an Assistant Track & Field and Cross Country Coach at McPherson College in McPherson,Kansas. Her duties also included serving as the Recruiting Coordinator and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for the track & field and cross country programs. As an Assistant Coach, Becker coached the Throws, Jumps,Hurdles and Multi-Events. During her tenure, Becker coached 14 NAIA National Qualifiers including the 2010 National Champion and All-American in the high jump as well as a 2010 All American in the Pole Vault. In addition, she coached two All Americans in the High Jump in 2011.

Becker began her intercollegiate coaching career in 2008 at her alma mater, Bethany College, where she served as an Assistant Track & Field Coach. While specializing with the throwing events at Bethany, Becker coached 5 NAIA National Qualifiers and 2 NAIA All-Americans.

Becker graduated Cum Lade from Bethany College in 2009 with a B. A. PK-12 Health & Physical Education and a B.A. Physical Health & Wellness with a concentration in Coaching. She earned her Masters of Science Degree in Physical Education, Recreation and Health from Emporia State University in 2012.

“Jessica Becker’s well-rounded coaching background, championship pedigree and proven experience as a Head Strength Coach on the intercollegiate level will serve her well in her role as our Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Assistant Track & Field Coach at USW,” Weidner continued, “Her commitment to student-athlete success in the classroom and on the field of play will be a great fit with our athletic department core values as well as our University Mission Statement in this regard.”

“Jessica will be wonderful addition to our athletic department, the University and the Hobbs community. On behalf of our USW Athletic Department and the University of the Southwest, we welcome Jessica Becker as the newest member of our Mustang Family.”