Some athletes finish their careers when the final buzzer sounds. Jessica Hanson isn’t one of them. Her relationship with basketball has always been bigger than stats or records. It’s tied to family, community, personal growth, and the moments that stay with you long after you leave the floor.
Her journey has come full circle. From the little kid running around War Memorial Gym while her dad coached, to a UBC standout and team captain, to five years as a pro overseas, and now back home as the Thunderbirds’ assistant coach. Every chapter has shaped her outlook on leadership, mentorship, and the joy in the grind. This is Jess’s story, one grounded in connection, gratitude, and becoming the kind of leader she once looked up to.
Why Returning to UBC Women’s Basketball Feels Like Home for Jessica Hanson
When Jess walked into War Memorial Gym for her first preseason game as a coach, it hit her all at once, the memories, the growth, and the surreal feeling of standing where it all began.
“Our first pre-season game in War Memorial Gym (the same gym where I grew up watching my dad coach when I was 3, to being a varsity athlete), I stood in the team room in front of our girls and was trying hard not to get emotional. It was such a special feeling, suddenly being on this side of things and looking out at all of them where I had sat in that exact same spot and looked up to my coaches. It was a moment that’ll stick with me for a long time.”
There’s a peace she carries now — a clarity that she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to be back here in this capacity, to work with such an amazing group of female athletes. It really feels so special and like I am in exactly the right place.”
Where It All Started: How Jessica Hanson Fell in Love With Basketball as a Young Athlete
Jess has been in gyms for as long as she can remember. Basketball wasn’t just a sport she picked, it was the atmosphere she grew up in.
“I grew up in Langara College gym first, then when I was 3 or 4, when my dad moved to UBC, that’s where I spent all of my weekends, watching the girls’ game, watching my dad coach the men’s game, and then watching him stay up late watching film and chatting with his assistants.”
Even though she played multiple sports growing up, basketball always took the lead. “Probably from the moment I started to play in grade 3. I was very multi-sport oriented growing up…but it was always basketball as my number one.”
She fell in love with everything around the game: the competing, the adversity, the tactical chess match, the friendships, the memories. And that connection translated into early success.
“Winning Rookie of the Year, an All-Star award, and ultimately playing pro were by-products of opportunity meeting hard work and motivation.”
Becoming captain challenged her to grow as both a person and a leader. “Being captain from my 3rd year on, challenged me to constantly wear two hats…thinking about not only what my needs were but also what was best for the team.”
She had mentors she still carries with her today. “My coach at UBC, Deb Huband, taught me a lot that still guides me today. She gave me a lot of trust, confidence, and space to be a leader, and with that came a lot of expectations but she also challenged me to enjoy it.”
From UBC to Europe’s Pro Courts: Jessica Hanson’s Journey Through the Grind
After UBC, Jess spent five seasons playing professionally in Germany and Portugal. The experience reshaped her, as a player and as a person. “Having played 5 years overseas, I have basically lived an entire university career after my actual university career.”
The independence demanded discipline. “Once you get overseas, there is no one making sure you get in your extra workouts…you have to be disciplined or you just won’t last.”
Some days were tough. Others were incredible. All of them taught her something. “You have to be flexible, roll with the punches…remind yourself to find gratitude every day.” And the memories are unforgettable. “Winning the Portuguese cup, winning do-or-die playoff games as the underdog, celebrating with teammates after big shots.” But the real lessons came from the people around her. “Shaping how I see the sport in that it’s not necessarily about the W’s…but who you get to do it with.”
Her time overseas deepened her perspective and reinforced something Legend believes deeply. Legacy isn’t only built on achievements. It’s built on growth and community.
Stepping Into Leadership: How Jessica Hanson Transitioned From Player to Coach
Coaching wasn’t always the plan. But once she stepped into it fully, everything clicked. “I always knew I wanted to stay involved in the game in some way…Now that I get to coach at this level and coach such a great group of girls that we have at UBC, I know it’s for sure what I want to be doing.”
The toughest part was stepping away from doing and learning how to teach. “Not being able just to go out and do it myself…What worked for me might not work for everyone…it’s hard, but it’s also really fun.” Her strength as a coach is her lived experience. “I have lived their experiences, in the same team room, the same gym, the same classrooms…So I have a pretty good understanding of what they are going through.”
That relatability builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any culture worth building.
What Leadership Looks Like in Women’s Basketball: Jessica Hanson’s Approach to Mentorship
Jess describes leadership now with the clarity of someone who’s lived it from both sides.
“Leading as a player vs as a coach is a little bit different…As a coach, especially, it’s all about how you lead others.”
Relationships come first. Always. “You will get the best out of your team and individuals once you have established that relationship. They have to know you care about them.” Mentorship is central to her philosophy. “Mentorship is a huge pillar for me…you are teaching and guiding someone…but simultaneously you are learning from the mentee as well.”
She sees athlete development as part of personal development. “Athlete development also means personal development…Athletic development goes hand in hand with personal growth.”
This is the kind of leadership that fits perfectly with Legend’s values. Not just chasing wins, but building people.
Finding Joy in the Grind: Jessica Hanson’s Take on Athlete Development and Growth
Jess tries to teach her players something she now knows deeply, the real win is falling in love with the process.
“Not every day is going to be fun…But if you can show up anyway and try to find gratitude or some sort of enjoyment in the process…it’s not the destination but the day-to-day that got you there.”
When her athletes struggle, she meets them with empathy, experience, and often, a well-timed laugh. “I want them to know that I am in their corner and when they need help, I’ve got them.”
She’s also self-proclaimed “big quotes girlie,” often leaving players with lines that land exactly when they need them. “Sometimes the way something is worded just sticks with you and hits a bit differently.”
Success now feels different to her, steadier, more fulfilling. “Even on the bad days, feeling like I am in the right place, helping others, building connections.”
Building Championship Culture at UBC: Jessica Hanson’s Vision for the Thunderbirds
Jessica’s impact at UBC isn’t defined by a single moment. It’s defined by the culture she helps build every day.
“I want to leave a legacy that reflects a commitment to excellence, one rooted in connection and mentorship. That is when players leave this program, they leave a better person, and they leave the program better than when they found it.”
Her definition of championship culture is lived, not spoken. “A championship culture to me is a consistent commitment to excellence, requiring purposeful practice, genuine connection, and resilience.”
And coming back to UBC, to the same rooms, same floors, same walls she once walked as a student-athlete, feels like the perfect full-circle chapter. “It feels very full circle…I am very proud to be an alumnus…It feels like I am in exactly the right place.”
That’s the heart of Legend. Leadership rooted in humility. Mentorship rooted in connection. Growth built through the grind. A legacy that lives far beyond the scoreboard.
Jessica Hanson is living that legacy every day.
