Texas A&M women’s basketball is ushering in a new chapter with the addition of Alexis Hyder to its coaching staff, naming her as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Hyder’s arrival in Aggieland marks a significant move for the program as it continues to build momentum both on the court and on the recruiting trail. Known for her dynamic presence, deep knowledge of the game, and a relentless drive to empower young women, Hyder is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Aggies.
A native of Austin, Texas, Alexis Hyder brings with her a wealth of experience, a proven track record in recruiting, and a passion for player development that aligns perfectly with Texas A&M’s culture and vision. Her journey in basketball is not just one of coaching accolades, but of personal growth, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to the success of the student-athletes she serves. As Texas A&M looks to return to national prominence, Hyder’s addition to the staff is viewed as a major step forward in those efforts.
Hyder began her collegiate playing career at the University of North Texas before transferring to LSU, where she made an immediate impact with the Tigers. At LSU, she emerged as one of the team’s most dependable players, showcasing versatility, physicality, and an innate feel for the game. Her experiences as a standout player in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) have served as a strong foundation for her coaching career. After hanging up her jersey, she quickly transitioned into coaching, bringing that same fire and leadership to the sidelines.
Prior to joining the Texas A&M staff, Hyder served in key roles at multiple respected programs. Most recently, she was part of the coaching staff at the University of Minnesota, where she helped navigate the Golden Gophers through a competitive Big Ten schedule and was instrumental in developing post players while also contributing to recruiting efforts. Before that, she spent time at the University of Houston, where her work ethic, relatability, and attention to detail earned her the respect of her peers and players alike. Her coaching stops have given her a broad understanding of the game across conferences, styles, and regions—an asset that will undoubtedly serve her well in College Station.
Texas A&M head coach Joni Taylor has been deliberate in building a coaching staff that reflects her values—integrity, work ethic, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. With Hyder stepping into the role of assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, Taylor is signaling a deep investment in both the development of current student-athletes and the future stars of Aggieland. Hyder’s responsibilities will include overseeing recruiting strategies, managing prospect evaluations, and serving as a primary point of contact for potential recruits and their families. It’s a role that demands trust, communication, and vision—all qualities that Hyder has consistently demonstrated throughout her career.
Recruiting at the SEC level is an intensely competitive endeavor. Programs across the conference are locked in a constant battle to secure the most promising talent, and success in this area often separates good teams from great ones. With Hyder now at the helm of Texas A&M’s recruiting operations, the Aggies are positioned to elevate their profile among elite programs. Her Texas roots, extensive coaching network, and personable approach give her a unique edge in attracting top-tier talent from across the nation.
But Hyder’s impact goes beyond X’s and O’s and recruiting spreadsheets. She’s widely regarded as a mentor who prioritizes the holistic development of her players. Whether it’s instilling confidence, fostering leadership, or emphasizing accountability, Hyder brings a nurturing but demanding presence to her work. She understands the pressures and challenges of being a student-athlete and is deeply committed to ensuring her players thrive both on and off the court.
That personal touch has become a hallmark of her coaching philosophy. Hyder’s former players often speak of her approachability, her candidness, and her ability to push them to reach their full potential. It’s not uncommon for her to spend extra time after practice helping a player perfect a post move or to offer a listening ear when someone needs support. Those small moments accumulate into trust, which in turn fuels performance and team cohesion.
Her appointment also reflects Texas A&M’s broader commitment to building a program that represents the values of leadership, empowerment, and inclusion. In a landscape where representation matters, Hyder stands as a role model—especially for young Black women pursuing careers in coaching and athletics. Her journey from a standout player to a rising coaching talent serves as inspiration for those who aspire to follow a similar path.
The timing of her hire is crucial as the Aggies continue a period of growth and recalibration. After a transitional phase under Coach Taylor, the program is seeking consistency, competitiveness, and a return to the NCAA Tournament. The upcoming recruiting cycles will be pivotal, and Hyder will play a central role in identifying prospects who fit Texas A&M’s culture and can contribute at a high level in the SEC. With her reputation for honesty, work ethic, and basketball intellect, Hyder is uniquely positioned to connect with recruits and their families in meaningful ways.
Texas A&M fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the direction of the program. The facilities in College Station are first-class, the support from administration is robust, and the community surrounding the women’s basketball team is passionate and loyal. Now, with the addition of Alexis Hyder, there’s another key piece in place—one that fans hope will help bring the Aggies back into the national spotlight.
Beyond her duties on the court and the recruiting trail, Hyder is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the coaching room. Her background includes experience with different coaching styles, and she’s known for her ability to adapt and innovate. Whether it’s implementing defensive schemes, tailoring player development plans, or contributing to game-day strategies, Hyder will be an active, vocal, and forward-thinking presence.
Her work ethic is legendary among her peers. Those who’ve coached alongside her often describe her as the first to arrive and the last to leave, constantly seeking ways to improve herself and her team. That tireless drive resonates deeply with Coach Taylor’s own approach, which emphasizes preparation, attention to detail, and a competitive edge.
For Hyder, the move to Texas A&M is also a homecoming of sorts. Being back in Texas offers her the opportunity to reconnect with familiar communities, deepen existing recruiting pipelines, and bring her expertise to a program that values its Lone Star State roots. It’s a win-win scenario—Hyder gets to represent her home state on one of the biggest stages in college basketball, and the Aggies benefit from a leader who understands what it takes to compete and win at the highest level.
As the Aggies gear up for the upcoming season, Hyder’s presence will be felt immediately. From shaping the next generation of talent to reinforcing the team’s culture of excellence, she is poised to make a lasting impact. Her blend of experience, empathy, and energy is exactly what Texas A&M needs as it seeks to climb the SEC ladder and reassert itself as a powerhouse program.
In many ways, the hiring of Alexis Hyder is more than just a personnel move—it’s a statement. It’s a statement that Texas A&M is serious about women’s basketball. It’s a statement that the program is investing in people who care deeply about the student-athlete experience. And it’s a statement that the Aggies are determined to build a sustainable winner in College Station.
The road ahead will feature challenges, but with leaders like Hyder on the sideline, Texas A&M is more prepared than ever to meet them head-on. Fans, players, and recruits alike should be excited for what’s to come. The future is bright, and it’s clear that Alexis Hyder will play a central role in lighting the way.
Welcome to Aggieland, Coach Hyder. The journey is just beginning.
