LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Southern College is excited to announce the addition of
Shelby Wheeler as the new assistant coach for the women's basketball program. Wheeler returns to FSC with a decade of coaching and leadership experience, most recently serving as Associate Head Coach at Ursuline College.
"I've had the privilege of playing, knowing, and watching Shelby grow into one of the best assistant coaches in women's basketball over the past 10+ years," said Head Coach
Megan Dzikas '12. "She has built a strong reputation as one of the most trusted and respected coaches in the sport with her tireless commitment to the game of basketball, to developing young women on and off the court, and to building a championship-level culture. This is a home run hire for our program and couldn't be more excited to welcome Shelby back to the Florida Southern College Women's Basketball Family."
Wheeler most recently served as the Associate Head Coach at Ursuline College (2023–2025), where she was responsible for player development, defensive coordination, and scouting using Synergy film. She was also an active member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Assistant Coaches Committee, Next Generation Initiative (NGI), and WeCOACH.
Prior to Ursuline, Wheeler spent seven years at the University of Pikeville, including three as Associate Head Coach and as the department's Senior Women's Leader. At UPIKE, Wheeler played a pivotal role in the team's success, helping lead the Bears to three 20-win seasons and four appearances in the NAIA National Tournament. Her development work produced five NAIA All-Americans, 13 MSC All-Conference honorees, and two MSC Freshman of the Year athletes.
Wheeler's leadership earned her several accolades during her time at Pikeville, including MSC Assistant Coach of the Year, the Coaching for Significance Award, and selection to the WBCA Thirty Under 30. Her team was also recognized on the WBCA Academic Top 25 Honor Roll three times. In addition to her coaching duties, she served as advisor to both the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Her coaching career began at Stetson University, where she served as Director of Women's Basketball Operations during the 2015–16 season following three years as the program's head manager. At Stetson, she coordinated all travel logistics, managed equipment and video operations, and supported daily program operations.
"I owe a debt of gratitude to all the coaches I've had the honor of serving thus far in my career", stated Wheeler. "I'm excited to be back where the journey started for me. I am thrilled and extremely humbled for the opportunity to serve Florida Southern College and the women's basketball program, and to work with such driven and genuine people."
Wheeler's return to Florida Southern is significant as she is an alumna of the college. She played two seasons (2011–2013) for the Mocs, helping lead the team to a Sunshine State Conference Regular-Season Championship in 2012 and a berth in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. She also earned a spot on the SSC Commissioner's Honor Roll during her time as a student-athlete.
"I have a deep respect for and belief in Megan's vision for this program, "Wheeler continues. "I'm honored to join her on the sidelines and to help in any way I can to elevate the present, while building off the incredible history of the program."
Wheeler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Media Studies from Stetson University (2015) and a Master of Business Administration in Professionalism from the University of Pikeville (2022).
For more information on Florida Southern College women's basketball, visit
fscmocs.com.
