The Texas A&M swimming community, along with family, friends, and admirers, is grieving the unexpected loss of Jessica Leigh Sloan, a beloved former Texas A&M women’s swimmer who passed away recently. Jessica’s untimely death has left a profound impact on those who knew her, both in and out of the pool, as they come to terms with the loss of a vibrant and dedicated individual who had so much more to give. As plans for her Celebration of Life memorial service are finalized, those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with Jessica are reflecting on the joy, positivity, and strength she brought into their lives.
Born and raised in Texas, Jessica Sloan was a bright and gifted young woman who found her passion early in life—both in the water and in her interactions with others. Swimming became her outlet for personal expression, a space where she could channel her drive, determination, and competitive spirit. Her journey as an athlete began when she was just a child, splashing through the water with a natural ease that would later translate into success at one of the most prestigious collegiate athletic programs in the nation.
Jessica joined the Texas A&M women’s swimming team with hopes of making a name for herself and, more importantly, becoming part of a community that thrived on teamwork, dedication, and a shared love for the sport. During her time as an Aggie, she carved out a legacy of hard work and perseverance, qualities that earned her the respect and admiration of her coaches, teammates, and competitors alike. But Jessica was more than just a talented swimmer—she was a beacon of light in the lives of those around her.
Her teammates recall Jessica’s infectious positivity and unwavering encouragement. No matter how grueling the training or how tough the competition, she always found a way to lift others up. Her radiant smile and words of motivation kept the spirits of her fellow swimmers high, even during the most challenging times. Whether it was in the locker room before a meet or during a rigorous early-morning practice, Jessica’s presence made a difference. She was the kind of person who could make even the most difficult moments seem a little brighter.
But Jessica’s impact extended far beyond the confines of the pool. Outside of her athletic endeavors, she was deeply committed to helping others. Friends and family fondly remember her for her compassionate heart, her ability to listen without judgment, and her unwavering support for those she loved. Her kindness knew no bounds, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a shoulder to cry on. Jessica was the type of person who made everyone around her feel valued, seen, and appreciated.
In addition to her love for swimming and her generosity of spirit, Jessica had a passion for nature and a deep appreciation for beauty in the world around her. She often found solace in the outdoors, where she could connect with the natural world and recharge her soul. Her favorite colors—lavender and purple—reflected her peaceful yet vibrant personality, while her love for bold prints featuring butterflies and flowers symbolized her free-spirited nature and her belief in the importance of growth and transformation. Butterflies, in particular, held a special meaning for Jessica, as they represented beauty, change, and the fleeting nature of life—qualities that now seem even more poignant in light of her passing.
To honor Jessica’s memory and celebrate the beautiful life she lived, a Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Monday, October 7, at 11:00 a.m. The service will take place at Mike Barksdale’s Hangar, located at the Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport, a fitting location for a woman who loved the skies and the freedom they symbolized. Attendees are invited to access the hangar through Gate 8, which is labeled as 23-B, at the address 10013 Military Drive, Conroe, TX 77303.
In keeping with Jessica’s vibrant and colorful spirit, guests are encouraged to wear her favorite colors—lavender or purple—or bold prints featuring butterflies and flowers. This request is a reflection of her belief that life should be celebrated in all its beauty, even in the face of tragedy. Her family and friends hope that by coming together in this way, those attending the service will feel a sense of connection to Jessica’s joyful and free-spirited nature.
For those who worked alongside Jessica in her professional life, the family has also extended an invitation to wear uniforms as a special tribute to the strong work ethic and dedication that characterized her life. Whether through her work, her athletic accomplishments, or her personal relationships, Jessica touched countless lives, and the family hopes that the memorial service will serve as an opportunity for everyone to come together to share stories, memories, and reflections on the impact she had on those around her.
As the Texas A&M swimming community mourns the loss of one of their own, the university has also extended its condolences to Jessica’s family. In a statement, the Texas A&M Athletics Department recognized Jessica’s contributions to the women’s swimming program and expressed deep sadness at her passing. “Jessica Sloan was an outstanding member of our Aggie family, and her loss is felt deeply by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” the statement read. “Her spirit of teamwork, resilience, and kindness will forever be a part of the legacy she leaves behind. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”
For those who knew Jessica personally, the grief is still raw, and the questions surrounding her death may never fully be answered. But as they work through their sorrow, her loved ones are committed to honoring her memory in the way she lived her life—with love, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the beauty that exists in the world. In the days leading up to the memorial service, her friends and family have been reflecting on the memories they shared with Jessica, each story revealing another layer of the remarkable person she was.
One close friend recalled how Jessica would often surprise her teammates with small acts of kindness—whether it was a handwritten note of encouragement before a big meet or a homemade snack after a tough practice. “She always found a way to make you feel special, even when you didn’t realize you needed it,” her friend said. “She had this incredible ability to see people for who they really were, and she made sure that you knew she cared.”
Another teammate remembered the countless hours they spent together in the water, pushing each other to be better athletes and better people. “Jessica was one of the hardest workers I’ve ever known, but she never let the pressure get to her,” the teammate shared. “She had this way of making everything seem a little bit easier, a little bit more fun. I’ll miss her laugh the most—it could light up an entire room.”
As her friends and family prepare to say their final goodbyes at the Celebration of Life service, they are holding onto these memories, knowing that Jessica’s spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her. In the face of such an unimaginable loss, they find solace in the knowledge that Jessica lived a life full of purpose, passion, and love—a life that, while far too short, was filled with meaning and joy.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that those wishing to honor Jessica’s memory consider donating to a cause that was close to her heart. Throughout her life, Jessica was a strong advocate for mental health awareness and support, recognizing the importance of caring for both the body and the mind. The family hopes that by directing donations to mental health organizations, they can help continue Jessica’s legacy of compassion and care for others.
As the community prepares to gather in Conroe, TX, on October 7, there is a shared understanding that while Jessica Sloan may no longer be with us in body, her spirit will remain a guiding light for those who knew and loved her. Her legacy as a swimmer, a friend, a daughter, and a compassionate soul will continue to inspire those who were touched by her presence. While her passing is a tremendous loss, her life will be celebrated in the way she would have wanted—with joy, love, and an appreciation for the beauty of the world she cherished so deeply.
