Eight years after graduating Jones College, Trista Magee Whitman has returned to her alma mater to lead and inspire the next generation as head coach of the women’s basketball team.
Whitman was born and raised in Ellisville and attended Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg. As a high school senior, she was named Player of the Year by both Pine Belt Sports and the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools and USA Player of the Year for Mississippi. The Presbyterian standout also became the school’s all-time leading scorer, finishing with over 3,000 career points.
Whitman’s college career began at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she played for three seasons. After her first year at UAB, a hip injury led her to transfer to Jones College. She enrolled at Jones in spring of 2017 but was unable to play due to her recovery process.
Instead, she majored in general studies and earned her associate’s degree that spring. The following year, Whitman returned to UAB to pursue a master’s degree in public administration and policy.
Her coaching career began at Stringer Attendance Center, where she coached students in grades seven through 12. She spent her final two years coaching high school basketball in Petal. While coaching the Panthers, Petal basketball reached its peak, setting a home attendance record in her first season and doubling the number of wins from the previous two years combined.
“Having a great coach and being a good coach all comes with being a good leader,” said Whitman. “Every program needs a good leader, but I’m not the one who gets to play on the court now– it’s up to the players to use our advice to the best of their ability.”
Shortly after leaving high school basketball coaching, Whitman remained drawn to the UAB Blazers. During the 2024-25 season, she applied her new coaching skills as an assistant coach for her former team. Even though Whitman was happy to be back with the Blazers, she knew a greater opportunity was waiting for her. In March 2025, Whitman returned to Ellisville to become the 14th head coach of the Jones College women’s basketball team.
“I’ve always told people I don’t have career goals; I just go where God leads me,” she said. “Taking this job and being here has helped me identify my life goals. This doesn’t feel like a job– it just feels like I spend all day doing what I love.”
Former Jones College basketball coach and current Southern Miss head coach Missy Bilderback was Whitman’s coach back in high school. Whitman said Bilderback, her long-time mentor, influences her.
“I would not have played college basketball if it wasn’t for her,” said Whitman. “She has poured into my life tremendously, and I am thankful for her.”
Bilderback said of her former player, “Trista is a star in this profession. Her playing and coaching experience in the state and at the division I level, combined with her knowledge and love of Jones College make this a great match. She is smart, energetic, hardworking and will be committed to getting Jones to the top of MACCC.”
As of now, the women’s basketball team has five returning players for the 2025-2026 season. According to Whitman, more transfer students will be joining the roster next semester.
“As the staff, we are prepared to put in the work needed to create opportunities for these young women to pursue the highest goals possible,” said Whitman. “We absolutely believe in the ability in the young women around this community.”
Whitman said she is determined to embody authentic leadership as she coaches her next team of athletes. Her goal is to bring the women’s basketball program team integrity, a strong reputation and victories. With a home-court advantage, who could think otherwise?
by Jacarious Roberts
