For Toyelle Wilson, the journey to becoming the new head coach of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s (TAMU-CC) Women’s Basketball team wasn’t always about basketball. Her athletic beginnings were rooted in tennis and track, but a suggestion to try hoops, thanks to her speed, sparked a passion that would grow into a lifelong career. From leading on the court as a college athlete to coaching on the sidelines of the NCAA Final Four, Wilson’s path has been marked by curiosity, perseverance and a relentless drive to lead.
Now, with a new chapter unfolding with the Islanders, she brings a bold vision, a commitment to culture-building and a deep belief in the power of transformational leadership.
Kylie Cooper: You’ve had success at nearly every level of collegiate basketball. What drew you to the Islanders program at this point in your career?
Toyelle Wilson: Well, I love different challenges, and this school was very intriguing to me. [Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics] Adrian Rodriguez and crew from the start told me they were about supporting women’s basketball and showed me what that looked like. They love winning, and you can see that with every sport on campus being a champion. It’s beautiful being on an island and near the ocean; you can’t beat that weather. The community is so welcoming, and it felt like family.
KC: How would you describe your coaching philosophy, and how do you plan to implement that here at TAMU-CC?
TW: I’m a players’ coach. I played the game in college and have been coaching it ever since. I know what they go through and understand the process. Now with kids, it’s a relationship, a transformational relationship that matters to get them to believe in your vision.
KC: You’ve developed players who have gone on to the WNBA. What are the key elements you focus on in player development?
TW: Your pace is important, fundamentals, work ethic—understanding the game (basketball IQ) is very important, and you have to produce when it’s game time!
KC: You’ve coached in high-pressure environments like the NCAA Final Four.
How do you bring that level of excellence to a new city/team?
TW: Every time I coach, I prepare and act like I’m coaching a game. Laser focus, intensity and attention to detail. I was once told by a coach, “You can’t turn it off and on. It’s either on or off.” So, I always coach with it “on.” How you do anything is how you do everything. I put 100% in and pour everything into my players.
KC: You’ve been described as a culture-builder and visionary leader. What does building a lasting team culture look like to you?
TW: Alignment, preparation and accountability, commitment and connection. Those things will create a great culture.
KC: How do you plan to build on the team’s existing momentum and make your mark on the program?
TW: I’m excited about these 14 young ladies growing together as one and becoming championship contenders. There will never be another first team like this. It’s not about comparing the old teams here, it’s our new start and new journey.
KC: What excites you most about working with this specific group of student-athletes?
TW: All the young ladies on this team know the commitment and goals we want to accomplish. They all love the game, are committed to the game and the joy we want to bring to the community of Corpus Christi. My coaches are working hard this summer, and we can’t wait to build off that.
KC: As a new Corpus Christi resident, what local spots have you already started to frequent?
TW: I’m a foodie and love to explore, and with having so many recruits in town, I would say I really like Landry’s and Doc’s Seafood.
KC: What’s one message you’d like to send to Islanders fans as you step into this new chapter?
TW: I can’t wait to have you all see this team that we put together. It will be a great brand of basketball, entertaining and exciting. Please come watch practices and come to games—we will not disappoint!
Contact: @islanderswbb
