Tanner Mans is stepping into the role of head coach for the Wellington girls' basketball program, taking over from Eric Adams after a 13‑year tenure that produced a state championship in 2025 and a runner‑up finish the following year.
A Fresh Coaching Vision
Mans arrives with a résumé that blends high‑school glory and college experience. He was a key member of the 2017‑18 Bishop Carroll squad that captured a state title, and he later played at Virginia Military Institute before completing his collegiate career at Pittsburg State University.
During his two seasons at VMI he averaged 5.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists, then transferred to Pittsburg State where a shoulder injury opened the door to a fresh start. At Pittsburg State he started every game in 2024‑25, posting 9.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists per contest, numbers that caught the eye of head coach Jeff Boschee, who has been a mentor to Mans.
Beyond his playing days, Mans spent a year volunteering with the University of Newman men’s basketball team, gaining his first taste of coaching. He now hopes to blend that experience with his own playing insights to develop younger players while preserving the program’s recent success.
The Wellington roster will retain seniors Dru Zeka and Kirstyn Gregory, who provide continuity, but the team will also integrate a handful of underclassmen. Mans has spoken openly about giving those newcomers meaningful minutes as the squad looks to rebuild after finishing fourth in the 2025‑26 Class 4A State Tournament.
Community excitement is already building. Long‑time followers of Wellington basketball view the program as a powerhouse, and Mans’ familiarity with the team’s history fuels optimism that the new era will keep the program among the state’s elite.