Jinx Cockerham’s legendary career at Father Ryan High School made a lasting impression on high school athletics, particularly in volleyball and girls’ basketball. With an extraordinary 40 seasons as Head Volleyball Coach and 42 years as a girls’ basketball coach—33 of those as Head Coach—Jinx’s leadership and accomplishments have helped define Father Ryan as a powerhouse in both sports. A trailblazer in high school athletics, she played an instrumental role in the development of volleyball as a TSSAA-sanctioned sport, expanding opportunities for female athletes across the state of Tennessee.

Jinx continued her academic and athletic journey at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), graduating in 1970. She joined the Father Ryan faculty that fall, teaching typing, shorthand, and business, while quickly establishing herself as a respected educator and coach. Over 46 years at Father Ryan, Jinx built a legacy not just as a coach, but as a mentor and leader who would forever shape the lives of her students and athletes.

As the Head Volleyball Coach from 1976 to 2015, Jinx built a championship program that became a beacon of success. Under her leadership, the volleyball team won five TSSAA State Championships (1992, 1999, 2004, 2006, and 2015), cementing Father Ryan’s dominance in the sport. Her ability to develop players and teams led to a reputation for excellence that resonated far beyond the Father Ryan community.

In addition to her volleyball success, Jinx’s influence in girls’ basketball was equally profound. Serving as Head Coach from 1980 to 2013 and Assistant Coach from 1971 to 1980, she helped guide the team to three TSSAA State Basketball semifinals (1998, 1999, and 2003), reaching the championship game in 1998. Her teams amassed over 15 region championships and 20 district championships during her tenure, further establishing her as one of the region’s premier basketball coaches.

Jinx’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, including receiving The Tennessean’s Fred Russell Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, recognizing her contributions to the community and sports. Her legacy was further solidified when she was inducted into the Father Ryan Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class in 2019. She is also a member of the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Hall of Fame and received the TSSAA A. F. Bridges Award in 2000-2001. She has received many Coach of the Year honors, including the prestigious honor from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2025
Category: Coach