Jessi Juarez was named Director of Track & Field/Cross Country in June 2025.
Juarez brings more than 15 years of NCAA Division III coaching experience as she steps into the role with a proven record of success and a vision to elevate both the men's and women's programs into consistent contenders at the conference and regional levels.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jessi as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Thiel College," Isaac Collins, Director of Athletics, said. "Jessi brings a dynamic energy, creative vision and a proven ability to build programs rooted in both competitive excellence and student-athlete development. Her approach to leadership, recruiting, and culture perfectly aligns with our mission at Thiel—to challenge, support, and prepare graduate students to lead lives of meaning and purpose."
Over the course of her distinguished coaching career, Juarez has developed one national champion, 40 First Team All-Americans, four Second Team All-Americans and 39 national qualifiers. She has coached one Regional Athlete of the Year, 19 conference champions and helped student-athletes break 30 school records.
Juarez most recently served as the Head Men's and Women's Track & Field Coach at Buena Vista University. There, she led efforts in pole vault, high jump, long jump, triple jump, sprints, hurdles, and combined events. Under her guidance, the program produced three all-conference performers, four national qualifiers and set seven new school records. She also revived Buena Vista's long-dormant Dennis Young Indoor Classic and spearheaded alumni outreach efforts that resulted in the largest alumni turnout for a home competition in the school's history.
"I am excited to join Thiel in this role, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Collins and Mike McKinney for their steadfast support," Juarez said. "Their dedication to the success of these programs greatly influenced my decision to accept this role."
Prior to Buena Vista, Juarez was an assistant coach at Wittenberg University from 2021 to 2023, where she oversaw pole vault, high jump, javelin, and combined events. During that time, she coached five all-conference performers, one national qualifier, and a school record holder. Her coaching journey has also included roles at Roanoke College, the University of Wisconsin–Stout, Adrian College, Coffeyville Community College and Muskingum University, where she began her collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant.
In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, Juarez spent two years as a personal trainer specializing in Olympic weightlifting and functional fitness. She is a certified USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach and holds a USA Track & Field Level 1 certification.
She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Marietta College in 2009 and a Master of Arts in Adult Education from Muskingum University in 2012.
"I am eager to embark on this journey and create a lasting legacy at Thiel College, ensuring that our student-athletes receive the outstanding experience they truly deserve," Juarez added.
