Vera Jo Bustos

PGC BASKETBALL DIRECTOR

This year was a struggle for me offensively. I questioned every shot I took, especially at the free throw line. I was shooting below 20% from the FT line. I didn’t realize how much of an issue it was until I air balled 2 free throws vs Auburn.

A change needed to be made, and that change was Vera Jo! Her help alone improved not only my free throws, but my presence on the offensive side of the court. With VJ’s help I was able to hone in my focus at the free throw line. Within 15 minutes, she not only pointed out issues with my shot, but also gave me helpful tools to fix it.

My shot and mentality improved significantly. I urge every young mind to look for Vera Jo if you’re trying to improve not only as an athlete—but also as a young lady/gentleman.

– Nike McClure, Former Div I Athlete

Vera Jo Bustos received her BA in Exercise Science (2011), BA in Sports Psychology (2011), and MA in Human Performance (2014) from Adams State University.

Vera Jo founded Mentality Solutions LLC, a sport and performance psychology company focused on achieving optimal performance through mental skills training in 2019. Prior to founding Mentality Solutions, Vera Jo worked as an assistant basketball coach at Western Colorado University for two years and spent five years on the coaching staff at The University of New Mexico. Since 2012, Vera Jo has implemented her knowledge of sport and performance psychology training the athletes at WCU and UNM on the mental game.

Previously, Bustos had a celebrated basketball career at Adams State University (2007-11). A 3x College All-American, 2x All-Region First Team, 4x All-RMAC First Team, Player of the Year, and Freshman of the Year selection, Bustos helped lead ASU to two consecutive NCAA Tournament berths and made it to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen for the first time in school history. Her storied career led to a Hall of Fame induction in 2019—making ASU history once again—as one of the youngest inductees in school history at the age of 30.

During her time in Alamosa, Colorado, Bustos not only became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,859 points, but she also became the school’s all-time leader in minutes played (3,805) and games started (105). In her four years, Bustos averaged 17.5 points per game and set records for most points in a game (36), most 3-pointers in a game (8) and most points in a half (27).

To end her college athletic career, Vera Jo was recruited by the ASU national powerhouse Track & Field team to compete in the high jump at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference meet. She placed 6th overall and received second team All-RMAC in Track & Field.

A stellar player at West Las Vegas High School (New Mexico), Bustos still owns the school record for points (2,098), rebounds (935), assists (536), steals (331) and games started (125).

Vera Jo serves as the vice-chair for the New Mexico Athletics Commission Board and is also a Director for PGC Basketball—one of the most prestigious basketball companies in North America.

The superb quality of instruction coupled with the high energy and positive reinforcement are a powerful combination! We are extremely grateful to have our daughter working with Vera Jo!

– Lesly P, Parent

HISTORYDirector, PGC Basketball* 2019-present
Owner, Mentality Solutions, LLC* 2019-present
Owner, VJ’s Elite, LLC 2017-present
University of New Mexico Coaching Staff 2014-2019
Western Colorado University Assistant Coach 2012-2014
Professional Player – Greek League EuroCup 2011-2012
All-American, Adams State University 2007-2011

HIGHLIGHTSAdams State University Hall of Fame 2019
ASU Records:
All-time career scoring leader: 1,859
Avg ppg over 4 year career: 17.5
Most points in a game: 36
Most points in a half: 27
Most three-pointers in a game: 8
Games Started 105
All-Time Leader in minutes: 3,805
2x NCAA All-American
2 National Tournament Appearances
Sweet 16 Appearance

AWARDSAdams State University Hall of Fame 2019
WBCA Division II All-American  (2009-10, 2010-11)
Five-time RMAC Player of the Week (2010-11)
Women’s Div. II Honorable Mention All-American (2010-11)
Daktronics All-American Ballot (2008-09, 2010-11)
NCAA Central Regional Championship All-Tournament Team (2010-11)
Daktronics All-Central Region First Team (2008-09, 2010-11)
Banker’s Classic Tournament MVP (2008-09, 2010-11)
Chuck Stephens Classic Tournament MVP (2010-11)
RMAC Pre-Season Player of the Year (2010-11)
RMAC West Division Player of the Year (2008-09, 2009-10)
Div. II Bulletin All-American Team Honorable Mention (2009-10)
Daktronics All-Central Region Second team (2009-10)
All-RMAC First Team (2008-09, 2009-10)
Pre-Season All-RMAC team West Division. (2008-09)
RMAC Freshman of the Year (2007-08)
RMAC West Division Freshman of the Year (2007-08)