Leading With Vision: Coach Yonkers Steps Into Acting Athletic Director Role
This summer, Coach Jessica Yonkers (B.A. ’05) accepted the role of acting athletic director, bringing with her years of proven leadership as the award-winning head coach for Cornerstone University’s Women’s Basketball program. A proud CU alumna, she has spent nearly a decade mentoring student-athletes. She is recognized as a role model who invests deeply in student growth as competitors, leaders, and individuals prepared for career, life, and service.
Already in her acting role, Yonkers has facilitated the hiring of new coaches, helped the university exceed athletic recruitment goals, and guided the Women’s Basketball team on a vision trip to Guatemala in 2025 — a transformational experience that broadened the team’s global perspective and deepened their heart for Christ-centered service. These milestones and many community service accomplishments reflect her vision, dedication, and ability to inspire confidence across Cornerstone athletics.
President Gerson Moreno-Riaño asserts that Coach Yonkers was an obvious choice for this important role:
“Coach Yonkers is a respected role model within athletics, across campus, and among her peers in the regional community. She is already guiding our athletic programs at this time with vision and skill, continuing our legacy of shaping student-athletes whose Christ-centered leadership and service will positively impact communities for years to come.”
Athletics at Cornerstone is more than competition — it is a vital part of the Cornerstone Advantage™, cultivating leadership, academic excellence, character formation, and the pursuit of athletic skill that extends to career and life readiness. It also emphasizes community service and volunteering, giving student-athletes opportunities to grow through acts of service that impact both local and global communities.
Yonkers has embodied this holistic vision, receiving the 2024-25 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Rob Miller Coach of Character award and being voted by her peers as the Women’s Basketball Champion of Character Coach on five different occasions. Her industry peers have this to say:
"Jessica is a model of the Five Core Values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative. She exemplifies integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant-leadership more than any coach I’ve ever seen or been around in my 33 years of coaching at the collegiate level."
"Jessica is a tremendous leader and teacher. She’s unbelievably passionate about what she does every day and never gives less than her best effort. Jessica not only teaches the game of basketball at a very high level, but she teaches life-skills as well. Her players love her and would run through a wall for her."
"She has taken over a program that was in disarray and has brought it back to respectability and has her team competing at the top of the WHAC again. Through the first couple of years of struggling, Jessica has shown unbelievable integrity, courage and resiliency. Her vision for her program has never wavered because of her commitment to excellence and tremendous work-ethic."
Yonkers now brings her extensive experience and accomplishments into her work as acting athletic director, ensuring that every program prepares student-athletes to influence the world for Christ through their professions and community service.
Dr. Kevin Hall, associate vice president for academics & student experience, affirmed her leadership:
“A gifted and proven leader, Coach Yonkers brings strength of character, competitive drive, and the ability to inspire those around her. She has strengthened Golden Eagle athletics, and we are confident she will continue to guide our programs with excellence as acting athletic director.”
Recognized across West Michigan as an effective leader in women’s basketball, the Cornerstone community celebrates Coach Yonkers’ new role as she continues to serve Golden Eagle athletics with Christ-centered vision, excellence, and student growth and achievement.
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.
