Washington’s men’s basketball program has named Jayson Wells as its new Director of Mindset & Culture, a move that brings a seasoned voice of mental performance and leadership to coach Danny Sprinkle’s staff.
Wells, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, completed a 13‑year professional playing career abroad before retiring in 2010 and turning to coaching and development work. He served as an assistant coach at Cal State Fullerton under Dedrique Taylor, a colleague of Sprinkle from 2013 to 2019, and spent several years as the Titans’ skills development and mental performance coach.
Since leaving the college ranks, Wells has built a consulting practice with Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute, where he earned the Client Impact Award during his 2017‑2024 tenure. He has designed leadership programs for clients such as American Airlines, US Bank and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and he shares his insights through the Shoes Have Souls Podcast and his own motivational speaking engagements.
His connection to elite basketball deepened while he served as director of skill development for Nike Grassroots Basketball, overseeing the Nike Elite 100 program from 2015 to 2017 and conducting camps that featured NBA stars including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
Wells also enjoyed a successful overseas playing career, winning championships in Finland, Ukraine and Israel, and he finished as the top rebounder in the Israeli Premier League during the 2003‑04 season. Off the court, he founded Jayson’s Playground and the Shoes Have Souls Podcast, using those platforms to promote personal growth and basketball development.
The appointment underscores Sprinkle’s intent to blend performance analytics with psychological preparation, a strategy that aligns with Wells’s background in both arenas.
Career Highlights
Wells’s résumé reads like a masterclass in basketball development. He finished as the top rebounder in the Israeli league in 2003‑04, led Cleveland Central Catholic High School to back‑to‑back North Coast League titles, and earned All‑Missouri Valley first‑team honors at Indiana State University, where his scoring and rebounding prowess stood out in his senior year.
His diverse experience, from international competition to corporate leadership training, positions him to shape the culture of Washington’s roster, potentially influencing everything from player confidence to team cohesion as the program looks ahead.