Coach Jennifer (Jen) Van Meter brings a passion for basketball, player development, and empowering young women to the Portland Community College women's basketball program. She has coached at both Portland Community College and Mt. Hood Community College, serving as an assistant coach before stepping into the interim head coaching role at Mt. Hood during the 2023–2024 season.
A graduate of South Salem High School, Jen was a three-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Her experience as a multi-sport athlete helped shape her appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and competition, while reinforcing the importance of developing not only as an athlete but also as a person of character.
At the heart of Jen's coaching philosophy is a commitment to developing strong mindsets, building confidence, and helping players recognize their value beyond the game. She believes every young woman deserves to know she has a seat at the table in life. Through accountability, preparation, resilience, and self-belief, she strives to empower student-athletes to find their voice, embrace their potential, and become confident leaders both on and off the court.
Jen earned her degree in Child and Family Studies from Portland State University in 2004 and received the University's Civic Engagement Award during her senior year.
Outside of basketball, Jen is married to Preston, and together they have three girls, Natalie, Bailee, and Hudson, who keep life busy and full of adventure!
