Jessica Yonkers Named Director of Athletics at Cornerstone University
Cornerstone University is excited to announce Jessica Yonkers (B.A. ’05) as Director of Athletics, effective immediately.
A proud Golden Eagle alumna and award-winning, respected leader with more than 15 years of experience in athletics — including coaching roles at Cornerstone University and a West Michigan high school — Yonkers is known across the region for her ability to strengthen athletics organizations and develop students. Yonkers has served as Interim Director of Athletics since the summer of 2025, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision across the university’s athletic programs. She will also continue in her existing role as Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball team.
President Gerson Moreno-Riaño is pleased to confirm her appointment, saying:
“Coach Yonkers represents the best of Cornerstone University as a graduate and accomplished leader. She is deeply respected by our coaches, students and the West Michigan community for her commitment to excellence and her reputation for strategic insights and humble competitive spirit. Golden Eagle Athletics will continue to thrive as a platform for student growth, conference and national championships, and Christ-centered community impact.”
As Director of Athletics, Yonkers heads all Cornerstone University varsity programs within the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) including a robust slate of 16 men’s and women’s athletic teams. Golden Eagle teams have won three national championships and 64 conference championships. In this role, she will cultivate student-athlete success, advance athletics growth through partnerships and donor support, and strengthen Cornerstone’s visibility as a model of academic excellence, service, and Christ-honoring competition and success.
Reflecting on her appointment, Yonkers expressed her gratitude:
“I’m incredibly humbled and honored to continue serving Cornerstone in this role. As a proud alumna, I’ve seen and experienced how athletics — when rooted in faith — can shape lives in powerful ways. I’m committed to leading an athletics department that helps every student-athlete grow in Christ, compete with purpose and excellence, and lead with integrity both on and off the court.”
During her time as interim athletics director this year, Yonkers has unified athletics operations by facilitating collaboration among coaches and campus offices. She expanded new hires and launched new strategic initiatives to advance the student-athlete experience. She also played a key role in developing donor-engagement efforts through the Golden Eagle Club, increasing visibility for Golden Eagle athletics across the region, and reinforcing Cornerstone’s commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and competitive success.
Coach Yonkers has been a 5-time recipient of the WHAC Champions of Character Coach for Women’s Basketball and in 2024-25 she received the Rob Miller Coach of Character Award, recognizing her for exemplary integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
Dr. Kevin Hall, associate vice president for Academics & Student Experience, added:
“As a Cornerstone graduate and former Golden Eagle student-athlete, Yonkers understands the transformative role athletics plays in shaping students for lives of skill and character. Since returning to Cornerstone in 2018 as Head Women’s Basketball Coach, she has mentored athletes to grow as competitors, teammates, and followers of Christ and has proven she will lead the next chapter of growth in athletics with strength and trusted vision.”
With a heart for service, Yonkers has guided her teams through various service projects and youth mentorship partnerships. She recently led an international vision trip to Guatemala in 2025, helping student-athletes connect their gifts to global service and ministry.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education (history and mathematics) from Cornerstone University and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University, and she serves on WHAC and NAIA committees focused on student-athlete wellbeing and faith integration in coaching.
Cornerstone University celebrates Jessica Yonkers’ appointment as Director of Athletics and invites students, alumni, and the West Michigan community to join in prayerful support as she leads Golden Eagle Athletics to develop students through faith, excellence, and service to Christ.
If you are interested in more information about Cornerstone University athletics and vibrant campus degree programs, please contact admissions@cornerstone.edu to request information today.
