PLAINVIEW, TX — The story of Wayland Baptist University’s Hutcherson Flying Queens will be featured during a special Homecoming documentary episode screening at 2:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at the Flying Queens Museum.
The screening is part of a 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. gathering hosted by the Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation, bringing former players, the current team, and visitors together to celebrate the program’s influence on women’s basketball.
“The Flying Queens’ story is one of the great treasures of Wayland’s history,” said Jeffrey Vera, Director of Alumni Relations and Career Services. “This gathering gives guests an opportunity to see that story on screen and meet some of the women who helped write history on the court.”
The special episode of If Not For Them, created by nationally recognized sportscaster Brenda VanLengen, focuses on the Flying Queens and their role in expanding opportunities for women in athletics. The documentary series explores the people and programs that helped build women’s college basketball.
Wayland was among the early programs to offer women basketball scholarships in the 1950s. Claude and Wilda Hutcherson’s support included air travel that enabled the team to compete across the country and internationally, helping establish the Flying Queens’ distinctive identity.
Former Flying Queens will welcome visitors, share memories, and help provide museum tours during the Homecoming gathering. The current Flying Queens, Coach Jordan Vessels, and staff also will participate.
“Having former players and today’s team together makes this more than a history lesson,” Vera said. “It connects the women who opened doors with the students who continue the Flying Queens tradition.”
The museum is part of Wayland’s Mabee Regional Heritage Center, which also houses the Jimmy Dean and Llano Estacado museums. Friday museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museums are located at 1900 W. Eighth St. in Plainview.
The screening is among the activities planned for Wayland’s Oct. 18–24 Homecoming, which returns to a fall celebration this year.
For the full Homecoming schedule and registration links, visit https://bit.ly/3W7A4bo.
