Jenny Boucek’s Journey from UVA Star to NBA Coach

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Jenny Boucek, a standout player for the University of Virginia women’s basketball team, has made a significant mark in the NBA. Now the defensive coordinator for the Indiana Pacers, she is one of only four female coaches in the league. Boucek’s journey, guided by the phrase ‘Why not?’, spans a career filled with challenges and triumphs.

In her fourth season with the Pacers, who currently lead the New York Knicks 1-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals, Boucek continues to push boundaries in a male-dominated sport. Her path began in earnest during her collegiate career, where she was an All-Atlantic Coast Conference player and academic standout.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Boucek, a 1997 UVA graduate, shared, ‘I come from a family of people who have challenged the status quo.’ She credits her family’s insistence on questioning limitations for shaping her career. ‘It was always, ‘Why not?’ rather than ‘Why?’

boucek’s coaching journey includes notable stints with the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks before joining the Pacers. Teammates Myles Turner and T.J. McConnell have praised her influence, both on and off the court. ‘She’s someone who keeps me grounded when things are going well and picks me up when things aren’t,’ McConnell said.

In addition to her coaching role, Boucek’s family background has influenced her career. Her uncle, Dr. Mark Boucek, and grandfather, Dr. Robert Heath, were pioneers in the medical field, furthering a legacy of challenging norms.

During her time at UVA, she played for coach Debbie Ryan, who instilled a mindset of expectation and possibility. ‘Debbie’s mindset was similar to my family,’ Boucek noted. ‘Why would you even expect anything less as women?’ Her successful tenure in college basketball was marked by significant achievements, including a notable scoring record for the Cavaliers.

After her playing career ended, Boucek’s transition to coaching came with uncertainties, but encouragement from Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Mavericks, solidified her path. ‘He always believed in me more than I had believed in myself,’ she recalled.

As she helps the Pacers pursue a championship, Boucek is not just competing; she’s redefining the role of women in coaching. With enduring support from teammates and family, she remains determined to continue breaking glass ceilings in professional basketball. ‘You want to do it for Rick,’ Boucek said. ‘He is a pioneer and an innovator. There’s no reason why anything couldn’t be possible.’