Breaking Barriers: The Jaguars’ Young GM Redefining Leadership

NATIONWIDE - SEPTEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — It was during a Zoom meeting, fresh off a scouting trip to Las Vegas, that the news changed everything. The Jaguars’ head coach announced that Kaylei Jones had been named General Manager. Shocked, she called her closest friends and asked, “They just made me the GM, how do we even celebrate that The moment was surreal, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter in professional basketball leadership.

Her path to this role was anything but ordinary. Still finishing her degree after taking a break from school, she had already spent years building her career in sports. What began with coaching at the age of nineteen turned into a passion for operations, community impact, and mentorship. “I quickly realized that what I loved went way beyond the game itself,” she recalls. An internship with the Jaguars opened the door, and with guidance from team owner Marion, she immersed herself in every detail of the organization’s daily operations. That experience, coupled with her relentless drive, made her ready to step into leadership earlier than most ever imagined.

Interestingly, her basketball journey was never about personal athletic stardom. Standing at five-foot-four, she admits with humor that she “was not the strongest player on the court.” Instead, she found her calling behind the scenes, shaping teams and creating opportunities for others. Coaching alongside her father at Thurston High School has kept her connected to the game while sharpening her leadership skills. Balancing that with professional responsibilities shows the depth of her commitment, not only to basketball but to community and family.

Her appointment also carries historic weight. As one of only three women currently serving as a GM in professional basketball, she represents both progress and the distance yet to go. “It amazes me that there are still so few of us,” she says. “If I can inspire even one woman to believe she belongs in spaces where women have not historically been welcomed, then I feel like I have done my job.” This perspective is not just symbolic but personal. For the young players she coaches and the girls watching from the stands, she has become living proof that barriers can be broken.

Leadership, for her, is not about fitting into outdated molds. She rejects the misconception that women in sports leadership are either too soft or too tough. Instead, she views empathy as an asset. “Emotional availability makes it easier for me to connect with players and staff,” she explains. “I see empathy as a strength, not a weakness.” Her approach demonstrates that strong leadership is rooted in balance, authenticity, and integrity.

The role of a GM is demanding, and no two days look the same. Some mornings are filled with back-to-back meetings and phone calls, while other days require nothing more than a few critical decisions. She spends hours commuting to the facility, never fully knowing what awaits. Financial negotiations have proven the toughest part of the job. “I never want to offer someone a contract unless I truly believe they are worth it,” she says. Each decision weighs heavily because it impacts both the team and the individual careers of players.

What sets her leadership apart is her philosophy on building rosters. With three generations of coaches in her family, she believes team chemistry is everything. For the Jaguars, that means bringing back players who already understand the culture and values of the organization. Beyond talent, she prioritizes character, leadership, and a willingness to contribute to the community. This holistic vision ensures that the Jaguars are not only competitive on the court but also respected off it.

Respect, especially in a field dominated by older men, is not something she demands. Instead, she earns it. Her strategy is simple: be consistent, do the work, and show up prepared. “People notice when you are genuine, when you back up your words with action, and when you are not afraid to speak up,” she reflects. That consistency has earned her the trust of players, coaches, and executives alike.

Looking ahead, she hopes to leave the Jaguars stronger than she found them. Her goal is to ensure that the program continues to thrive long after her tenure, creating a legacy of sustainability and growth. While her future could include roles in the WNBA or other sports organizations, what matters most is that she continues to make a positive impact. “I will be happy as long as I am in a role where I can continue to make a difference,” she says.

For young women aspiring to enter sports leadership, her advice is clear and actionable. “Never say no,” she insists. From unpaid internships to late-night gym cleanups, she embraced every opportunity, no matter how small. “Getting where you want to be will be exhausting. The most important thing is to never give up.”

Her journey is proof that leadership is not defined by age, gender, or titles but by passion, perseverance, and vision. The Jaguars’ young GM is not only building a winning team but also redefining what leadership in professional basketball looks like.

To learn more about the Jaguars and follow their journey this season, visit the official Jaguars website.