ATLANTA – Loyola University Chicago assistant women's basketball coach
Jordan McCann was one-of-32 rising professionals selected to the 2025 Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Next Generation Institute, the organization announced Wednesday.
The Next Generation Institute, now in its third year, is a high-level education program designed for experienced assistant coaches aspiring to become collegiate head coaches. Its curriculum emphasizes the CEO-level skills required to lead a program effectively, navigate the complexities of higher education, and address the challenges of intercollegiate athletics in today's rapidly evolving landscape.
"I am incredibly grateful and honored to be part of such a prestigious program," said McCann. "The remarkable individuals on this list are some of the kindest and most hardworking people I've ever had the privilege to work alongside. I'm committed to continuing to inspire the young women we have the opportunity to coach while advancing our game. Thank you to the WBCA for this extraordinary opportunity!"
McCann has been a pivotal force on Loyola Chicago's staff. A Chicago native, he plays a crucial role in shaping Loyola's point guards, blending strategic insight with player development to elevate their game.
McCann mentored
Sam Galanopoulos, the cornerstone of the 2023-24 Ramblers. She led the team in minutes, assists, scoring, and shooting percentages, while achieving milestones like 1,000 career points and 79 consecutive starts. Galanopoulos was an A-10 All-Conference Third Team honoree, a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team member, and a leader both on and off the court.
Prior to joining the Ramblers in 2022-23, McCann made coaching stops at Iona College, University of Bridgeport, Colorado College, Hamilton College, and St. Thomas University.
The complete NGI class can be seen below.
2025 WBCA Next Generation Institute
Tennille Adams, University of Alabama
Tahnee Balerio, University of Georgia
Brittany Batts, Gannon University
KaeLynn Boyd, University of Texas at Arlington
Sheila Boykin, University of South Florida
Camryn Brown, Florida Gulf Coast University
Coretta Brown, Eastern Kentucky University
Karlie Burris, University of Nevada–Las Vegas
Shannon Bush, Cornell University
Camille Collier, Arizona State University
Empress Davenport, University of Mississippi
Miki Glenn, Fairmont State University
John Hampton, Rutgers University
Heidi Heintz, University of California, Berkeley
Terra Helm, McKendree University
Dr. Ashley Johnson, Furman University
Kelly Komara, Purdue University
Katie Kuester, Saint Joseph's University (PA)
Ariel Massengale, Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville
Jordan McCann, Loyola University Chicago
Deont'a McChester, Marquette University
Sarah Miles, University of Denver
Sara Mitchell, Manhattan College
Brittany Morris, North Carolina State University
Darrell Mosley, Arizona State University
Eryc Pittman, University of South Alabama
Ashley Robinson, University of Pennsylvania
Callan Stores, Manhattan College
Sarah Taylor, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Lindsay Werntz, University of Denver
Shelby Wheeler, Ursuline College
Clint Williams, Brown University
To be eligible for selection to participate in the program, a person must be a current WBCA member, must have at least five years' experience as a college assistant coach, and must have been nominated by their head coach. The Institute is held in conjunction with the WBCA Convention, which this year takes place April 3-6 in Tampa.
About the WBCA
The Women's Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels of competition. Founded in 1981, the WBCA offers educational resources that coaches need to help make themselves better leaders, teachers and mentors to their players; provides opportunities for coaches to connect with peers in the profession; serves as the unifying voice of coaches to those organizations that control the game; and celebrates those coaches, players and other individuals who excel each year and contribute to the advancement of the sport. Visit www.WBCA.org for more details about the Association.
