STORM LAKE, Iowa (June 30, 2023) – Buena Vista University Director of Athletics, Scott Brown, has announced the hiring of Jessi Juarez as Head Women's and Men's Track & Field Coach beginning this fall. Juarez brings 14 years of coaching experience to BVU.
"Jessi's passion for track & field was immediately evident during our initial conversation," says Brown. "She will bring an unmatched energy to our program, our department, our campus, and our community. I am excited for our current and future student-athletes."
Juarez began her coaching career in 2009 as an assistant track & field coach at Coffeyville Community College. She then became a graduate assistant track & field coach and assistant cross-country coach from 2010-12 at Muskingum University while also spending time at Adrian College from 2012-13.
In 2013, Juarez joined the staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and helped coach high jump and sprints. She was instrumental in producing nine conference champions and eight All-Americans over three seasons. She then moved to Roanoke College in 2016 where she focused on pole vault and high jump, producing five all-conference performances, four conference champions and one All-American.
Since 2021, Juarez has been an assistant coach at Wittenberg University and has produced five all-conference performers and one national qualifier during that span.
Prior to rejoining the college coaching ranks at Wittenberg, Juarez was a personal trainer from 2018-2020 and developed strength and conditioning plans for high school aged track & field athletes.
"I am excited to have earned this opportunity," says Juarez. "I believe BVU track & field has so much potential. The institution is moving in positive ways, and a growth mindset is what propels programs in the right direction."
"I am most looking forward to creating a culture that demands excellence," added Juarez. "Hard work always pays off, and I want BVU track & field to be known for how dedicated its athletes are to the process. The community and institution can expect to see both the programs continue to grow in size. I believe our staff of coaches are extremely talented and equipped to bring in great athletes and prepare them to compete with a champion mindset."
Throughout her coaching career, Juarez has coached over 30 national qualifiers, including three national champions, two national runners-up and 25 All-Americans. At the conference level, she has produced 18 conference champions and 75 all-conference finishers.
Juarez earned her bachelor's degree in graphic design from Marietta College in 2009. She later earned her master's degree in adult education from Muskingum in 2012.
