Elyssa Coleman’s journey with UTSA basketball has come full circle. A transfer from the University of Texas, Coleman rejoined her former coach — Karen Aston, who also came from Texas — to UTSA. Her remarkable career and dedication on the women’s basketball team have paid off as she now serves as the team’s director of operations, building a legacy both on and off the court.
In her three seasons as a Roadrunner, she became the team’s all-time leader in blocked shots with 140 and ranked ninth in school history rebounds with 588. Her achievements also include being named to the Conference USA All-Defensive Team and the AAC All-Tournament Team, as well as leading UTSA to its first-ever postseason victory in the 2023-2024 season’s Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
After a notable playing career, Coleman has transitioned into a leadership role. As director of operations, she coordinates team visits, manages travel budgets and oversees the team’s schedule. It is a role Coleman never anticipated for herself, yet she has embraced the opportunity to contribute to her team in a different capacity.
“It’s been pretty fun being on the other side of things, seeing how everything operates on the opposite side of the ball,” Coleman shared. “When you’re a player, everybody tells you where to go. They tell you where you’re going to be at a certain time, but actually putting everything together has been kind of cool.”
This transition, however, did not happen immediately. Coleman recalls being daunted by the demands of the role when Aston approached her about it. After consulting with her family, she saw an opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her career.
“I talked to my dad. I was talking to my brother a lot about the opportunity that [Aston] has given me, and I felt like it was a way to give back to the game that’s given me so much,” Coleman said. “It’s a way to give back to Karen, being that I followed her over here from [Texas] almost four years ago.”
Leaning on her support system has helped her in the past. Coleman herself credits her family and faith as strongholds that have guided her decision-making.
“I obviously don’t know all things, so I always reach out to my family, always reach out to God, for sure. I always have made a pretty solid decision. [I] haven’t had any regrets yet, so [I’ll] keep doing the same thing over and over again, I guess,” Coleman said.
Coleman acknowledges that the demands of directing a basketball team are different and often more stressful than playing on one. As a player, her stress was contained to the 40 minutes she was on the court. As a director, however, she notes that logistics weigh on her every other second outside the game.
“I’m just on my toes all the time,” she said. It does help that she is familiar with her team; knowing former teammates and working with well-acquainted faculty has made the transition smoother.
“Knowing them as players, it’s easy to make decisions for the team. I have that voice in staff meetings, things of that nature, so I feel like it’s been easier for me.”
While the role may be stressful, for Coleman, seeing her team’s growth and community support are what make the job worth it. Moments like UTSA’s comeback against the UTEP and the energy of crowded stands reinforce her commitment to the role.
Another source of fulfillment? The team’s recent success.
“We’re on a really good winning streak right now,” Coleman said, eager to turn the ‘Runner’s remarkable performance this season into national conference wins. “We did go to the WNIT last year, but we definitely could win out and get those students to go to the tournament this year, for sure.”
“[I want them] to go to NCAA Tournaments and to win the American Conference. I push them to do that every day.”
While focused on her role as director, Coleman is also preparing for her future by pursuing a master’s in Public Administration. No matter the route she takes, her drive remains a central part of her journey.
“[I intend to] finish this degree. I think I do want to stay on the operation side of athletics, whether that be the position I’m in or something higher in administration,” Coleman said. “I’m just figuring that out right now.”
