Nikki Jessee

Nikki Jessee joined Florida Polytechnic University in 2026 as the institution’s first head coach for women’s basketball. The program is part of Florida Poly’s 2026 eight-sport athletics program launch. 

Prior to joining Florida Poly, Jessee led the women’s basketball programs at several institutions, including as Warner University’s head coach (2019-2024), Saint Leo University’s head coach (2011-2014), University of Tampa’s assistant coach (2009-2011), Lynn University’s head coach (2007-2009), and Martin Methodist College’s head coach (2004-2007). She also was assistant coach at Tusculum College (2003-2004) and Campbell University (2000-2002). 

Her coaching experience led to many achievements at the institutions: 

• Warner University: 2023 – Best record in nearly 20 years, university’s second winning season in 20 years, First Team All-Conference players four years in a row, recruited Freshman of the Year three years in a row, and ranked in regional poll. 

• Saint Leo University: – 2014 Most wins in school history, first NCAA tournament appearance, first national ranking, first regional ranking, and best start in school history (10-0). 

• Lynn University: 2009 – Best start in school history (14-2), first national ranking, first regional ranking, first back-to-back winning seasons in D2 program history. 

• Martin Methodist College: 2007 – Best start in school history (13-2), first national ranking, first conference tournament win in school history, most wins in school history. 

Jessee’s experience also includes achievements as a player at all levels: 

• Professional: Thames Valley Tigers, England – Led the team in scoring and rebounding 

• Collegiate: Rollins College, University of Florida (UF) – Named All-Region; All-Conference; Top 10 in program history for scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, and three-pointers; Central Florida Athlete of the Year, MVP, and Female Athlete of the Year. She signed UF as part of the country’s top 3 recruiting class. 

• High School: Lakeland High School – Named High School All-American, First Team All-State, a Top 50 player in the country, first three-time Polk County Player of the Year and Hillsborough County Player of the Year, and the school’s all-time leading scorer. 

A basketball family through and through, Jessee is married to University of Tampa women’s basketball head coach Tom Jessee; they have one daughter, Rudi. Her own passion for the game is clear in her fandom, where she counts Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and legendary Celtic Larry Bird as her top all-time favorites. 

She is an active member of Bay Life Church, volunteering her time for important causes, and has embarked on a mission trip to Village of Hope Uganda, a nonprofit organization that provides care for vulnerable children, orphans and former child soldiers.  

Education 

• M.S. in Education, Campbell University, 2001 

• B.S. in English, Rollins College, 1999 

Awards and Honors  

• Rollins College Hall of Fame inductee, 2019 

Community Involvement  

• Volunteer, Bay Life Church Missions Café 

• Volunteer, Bay Life Church Children’s Church 

• Volunteer, Hope Café 

• Volunteer, winter cold weather shelter 

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