GOSHEN, Ind. - Assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Jomani Thomas will serve as the interim head women's basketball coach, effective immediately, after head coach Tyra Carver announced her resignation on Thursday to pursue other opportunities away from the sideline. Carver led the Maple Leafs to 15 wins in her two seasons as head coach and Thomas has been a part of her staff the last two seasons. Both coaches are GC alums who were a part of the 2016 NAIA national semifinalist team. Goshen College has launched a national search to hire the next head women's basketball coach.

During her time as a Maple Leaf, Thomas made the All-Freshman Team, Honorable Mention All-Crossroads League and Second-Team All-Crossroads League. She is the sixth-leading scorer in program history and fifth all-time in rebounds, field goals and free throws.

"I am truly honored and humbled to accept the opportunity to serve as the interim head coach," said Thomas. "Having once been a player in the program and now stepping into this role means a great deal to me." Thomas credited her teachers and mentors, as well as life experiences, for preparing her for this moment. "I believe in our players, the culture we have built, and I am excited to continue building on the strong foundation already in place."

Carver gave her support for Thomas' temporary leadership. "Having Jomani step in is exactly what the program needs right now," she said. "She is prepared and has the best interests of the players in mind, and that will be shown during this process." Athletic director and head men's basketball coach, Dwight Gingerich, echoed Carver's remarks. "I really appreciate Jomani stepping into this role," he shared. "She has relationships with the players, she is highly committed to them, and she brings a tremendous love for the game to the role."

Carver posted an 11-17 record in her first season as head coach, leading the Maple Leafs to the Crossroads League tournament. The 2025-26 season was a rebuilding year, with just four returners after ten seniors graduated the year before. The year featured an upset win over a Taylor Trojans squad that was receiving votes in the NAIA coaches poll. Carver has developed players who have gone on to compete at the Division I level and professionally overseas, such as former Maple Leafs Syanne Mohamed and Zion Neat. Carver also maintained a 100% graduation rate among her student-athletes as head coach.

As a player at Goshen, Carver was a two-time All-Crossroads League selection. She finished her career ranked in the program's top ten in multiple statistical categories - including scoring, field goals made, three-point percentage and free throws made. Before coaching at GC, she had impactful stops at Louisburg College and Catawba Valley Community College, where her teams combined for a 76-18 record. She returned to Goshen as an assistant coach for the 2023-24 season under head coach Stephanie Miller, who is now an assistant coach at Boston College, before being elevated to her first head coaching gig.

"Goshen has meant the world to me," Carver shared. "GC has always been extremely welcoming of me. I've developed lifelong friendships and relationships with people that I will forever cherish. Goshen will always hold a special place in my heart."

"I have been so grateful to Tyra for her leadership, her positive energy and attitude, and her hard work on behalf of her team and the department," said Gingerich. "She's been a trusted colleague and I'm going to miss her a lot. I wish her only the best."