COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA
Head Women's Basketball Coach Lindsey Vande Hoef has announced that former Iowa Western Women's Basketball player Jillian Flores has been named new assistant coach for the Reivers. Flores returns to her hometown after finishing her playing career at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology/Criminology.
Prior to returning to the Reivers, she spent 3 years as a social worker before returning to basketball as a Graduate Assistant in Peru, Nebraska at Peru State College. In addition to her on-court role as a coach with the Bobcats she was responsible for team scouting, film breakdown and exchange, and coordinating travel arrangements. Flores earned her Masters in Organizational Management during her time at Peru State.
Flores joined Bellevue University as an assistant for their inaugural season in 2016-17 where the team finished .500. In her 2nd season with the Bruins, the squad just missed an at-large bid to the NAIA D-2 National Tournament with a 19-13 record.
A 2007 graduate of Lewis Central high school, Flores is excited to be coaching at her Alma Mater, "I've been gone for 10 years and so much has changed, I'm so excited to be back on campus and to be part of the program that Coach Vande Hoef is continuing to build. I am thrilled that my career has led me back to Iowa Western. Coming to play for the Reivers was one of the best decisions I've ever made".
A native of Council Bluffs, Flores began her collegiate career playing at Iowa Western in 2007 for Head Coach Jim Turgeon in his first season with the team. Turgeon's assistant during Flores' 2 seasons was current Head Coach Lindsey Vande Hoef.
"I'm very excited for Jillian to be returning to Reiver women's basketball as an assistant. She brings great energy and will help take our program to a new level this season." said Coach Vande Hoef, "It is clear she's extremely passionate about coaching and a rising star in the profession. Iowa Western is lucky to have such a loyal and dedicated, hungry, young coach to add to our staff. Jillian brings a tremendous amount of pride for Iowa Western both as a former Reiver (2007-2009) and as a local community member (born and raised in CB) She will be a great mentor to our young ladies and we are excited to welcome Jillian home".
Coach Flores was a Presidential Scholar while at Iowa Western and was also honored both seasons as an NJCAA Academic All-American.
Best known for her fiery competitiveness and leadership on and off the court, Flores continued her academic success and was named a Scholar-Athlete both years she played at Benedictine.
Flores replaces Patrick Harrison, who was recently hired at UMKC as a Women's Basketball assistant.
