Jessica Hessel was promoted to associate head coach in July 2020 after serving the previous five seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Mavericks.
Prior to returning to her alma mater, Hessel spent three years (2012-15) at Truman, where she served as an assistant coach for two seasons before being elevated to associate head coach in her final season. She was previously a graduate assistant at Henderson State from 2010 to 2012. Over her coaching career, Hessel has guided three world championship qualifiers, 27 All-Americans and 38 honorable mention All-Americans.
A four-year letterwinner at Omaha (2004-08), the Wichita, Kan., native anchored the Mavericks' NCAA championship 400 free relay team in her senior season with teammates Kristy Gmeiner, Megan Guthmiller and Cait Hopkins. Hessel was a 10-time All-American, earned another 12 honorable mention All-America awards and set four school records over her decorated career.
In addition, Hessel worked as the aquatics director at the Jewish Community Center in Omaha (2008) and coached at Millard Aquatic Club (2006-10) and Millard South High School (2008-10).
Hessel earned her bachelor's degree in general studies from UNO in 2010 and her master's degree in sports administration from Henderson State in 2012.
