Colorado women’s basketball assistant coach Jordynn “Jojo” Hernandez was named one of the honorees for the 2026 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Thirty Under 30, according to a Mar. 24 announcement from the organization.
The WBCA Thirty Under 30 program, now in its eleventh year, recognizes thirty young coaches under age thirty who have shown professional excellence and made significant contributions to women’s basketball through mentorship, community service, and leadership. Honorees are selected based on their impact on student-athlete development and their commitment to advancing the sport.
“I’m honored to be named to the 30 Under 30 and give all glory to God for this opportunity and for ordering my steps,” Hernandez said. “I’m beyond grateful to JR [Payne], this program and our athletes who bring so much joy to what we do. I’m also incredibly thankful for my family, mentors, and those who have poured into me and supported me along the way. This recognition is a reminder that age doesn’t define purpose. When God calls you, He qualifies you, opens doors, and places you exactly where you’re meant to be.”
In her first season with Colorado, Hernandez helped guide the team from ninth place in conference play last year up to sixth this season while integrating ten new players through transfers. The Buffaloes recorded four wins over ranked opponents during the season—including victories against Iowa State, TCU, Texas Tech, and Baylor—and advanced to the Big 12 Tournament semifinals after posting a strong home record.
Head coach JR Payne said about Hernandez: “Jojo is one of the top up-and-coming coaches in the country—authentic, caring, and relentlessly hardworking. She has built meaningful relationships that make her both respected by her peers and truly valued by her student-athletes.”
Before joining Colorado’s staff this season, Hernandez served as an assistant coach at Stephen F. Austin State University from 2023-25 where she contributed to two conference tournament championship appearances as well as an NCAA Division I tournament berth for SFA in women’s basketball since 2022. She previously worked at UT Arlington from 2021-23 in roles including Director of Player Development.
Hernandez’s selection adds another national honor after participating in WBCA’s “So You Want To Be A Coach” program as one of only eighteen Division I participants nationwide in 2021.
