From Volunteer to Head Coach: The Success Story of Rochelle Vaughn
Joyce Ekworomadu
DIRECTOR, BASKETBALL OPERATIONS
Joyce attended Texas State University where she averaged 18.9 points a game, was Southland Conference Player of The Year, led the team to the school’s first ever Conference Championship, became the 5th player in Texas state history to record over 1500 points and 600 rebounds, became the 1st player in the Southland Conference to sign a WNBA contract and graduated with a BBA in Marketing. Post college, she played in the WNBA, Poland, Italy, the National Nigerian Basketball Team and is the 12th female of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters. She has traveled to over 40 countries playing the game of basketball. As the Director of Basketball Operations and Account Manager at Ballogy, she blends her extensive experience in basketball with a deep commitment to operating and constructing player development curriculum. With a focus on strategic planning and execution, she contributes to the continuous enhancement of Ballogy’s training programs and user experience. In her role as an Account Manager, she cultivates lasting relationships with clients, ensuring their success by tailoring solutions to their unique needs. Joyce is dedicated to shaping the future of basketball through innovative technology and collaborative leadership at Ballogy.
Coach Rochelle Vaughn’s journey to success started humbly as a volunteer. Her passion for the game and desire to make a difference soon earned her coaching positions at Plano West, McKinney Boyd, Frisco Liberty, and ultimately Frisco Memorial, where she led her teams to remarkable achievements. The girls basketball program has reached the postseason all 4 years and finished 2021-2022 as the 5A Girls Basketball State Runner-Up.
Building Relationships, Not Just Basketball
For Coach Vaughn, the key to coaching success isn’t just about the sport—it’s about building relationships. “It’s about relationship-building more than it is about basketball,” she says. This philosophy has helped her connect deeply with her players, fostering growth both on and off the court.
State Tournament Triumph
One of her standout moments was leading Frisco Memorial to the state tournament, a testament to her team’s hard work and Vaughn’s strategic leadership. That season, the team’s record spoke for itself, demonstrating the power of teamwork, commitment, and the bond they had with their coach.
A Memorable Moment
One of Vaughn’s proudest moments involves Jordan Hernandez, a former player who flourished under her mentorship. With Vaughn’s guidance, Hernandez went on to play at UTA and is now a coach at Stephen F. Austin, a milestone that highlights Vaughn’s commitment to her players’ long-term success. “You just want to pour into people, watering them so they can keep growing,” Vaughn says.
Empowering Players for Success
Coach Vaughn empowers her athletes by giving them ownership of their roles and focusing on individual development. “As coaches, our job is to help facilitate, to bring out their best,” she explains. Her dedication to player growth and constant self-improvement makes her a standout leader in high school basketball.
Coach Vaughn’s legacy is about more than wins—it’s about the lives she’s touched and the players she’s helped shape into successful individuals both on and off the court.