Shereka Wright
Shereka Wright is the Head Coach of women’s basketball at The University of Texas at Arlington, bringing decades of elite playing and coaching experience to her leadership role. A lifelong athlete, Shereka began playing basketball at just seven years old and went on to excel through high school, AAU competition, and at Purdue University, where she was a standout for the Boilermakers. Her talent and dedication culminated in a professional career after being drafted into the WNBA, where she played for the Phoenix Mercury from 2004 to 2006.
Following her professional playing career, Shereka transitioned seamlessly into coaching, building an impressive résumé across top collegiate programs including Texas Tech, the University of Alabama, Vanderbilt University, and now UTA. Known for her competitive mindset, strategic leadership, and passion for player development, she has consistently helped programs grow on and off the court while mentoring student-athletes to reach their full potential.
Beyond basketball, Shereka is a proud mother to her six-year-old daughter and values balance between family and career. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, playing video games, and listening to music across all genres. Driven by purpose and preparation, Shereka lives by the belief that confident people turn goals into plans—an approach that continues to define her impact as a coach, leader, and role model.
• Purdue University- B.A.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work and dedication, a deep love for the game, and the drive to positively impact young athletes and people both on and off the court.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my father: if you’re going to work, give it everything you have and make sure you’re paid for the value you bring.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you want a seat at the table, go learn the craft—there’s nothing you can’t do that won’t be noticed, and continuous learning is key to earning opportunities and respect.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is effectively managing athletes while holding them accountable, both on and off the court, in an evolving and highly demanding environment.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, a strong work ethic, and character.