Shreveport – Kayla Black has been named head coach of the Centenary Ladies' volleyball program, Director of Athletics and Recreation David Orr announced on Monday.
Black, an Atlanta, Ga. native, comes to Centenary after two seasons as head coach at Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Ark. She won 36 games in her two seasons with the Panthers, including an 18-10 mark in conference play.
"I am beyond thrilled to be joining the Centenary family," said Black. I would first like to acknowledge God for this opportunity as well as thank our president - Dr. Christopher L. Holoman and David Orr for entrusting me to lead the Centenary Volleyball program!".
"I am very excited to announce Kayla Black as Centenary Volleyball Head Coach," said Orr. Her character and enthusiasm are electric and she brings great leadership and volleyball IQ."
Black made an immediate impact at Philander Smith as she led the Panthers to a 22-10 record and 9-3 mark in conference play en route to an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament in her first season in 2022-23.
"After spending several years as a part of the NAIA I am so grateful to be crossing the threshold into the NCAA," said Black. I look forward to embracing the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference traditions and visiting the other member institutions."
Black's family moved to Houston when she was just nine months old as that is where she grew up and went on to star at St. Pius X High School, which earned hear a scholarship at Xavier University in New Orleans. Black had a stellar career at Xavier as she was an Honorable-Mention All-American as a senior in 2020, named the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year and Attacker of the Year in 2018 and 2019.
She was a four-time First-team All-GCAC selection, named the GCAC Tournament MVP in 2018 and 2020, and was named All-GCAC Tournament in 2017, 2018 and 2020. She was named to the LSWA All-Louisiana squad three times, twice named an NAIA All-America honorable mention, and named to the NAIA All-Southeast Region Team twice. Black was also an 11-time GCAC Attacker of the Week. "Centenary holds so many unique values but what stands out to me the most are the people," said Black. Being a part of a positive and professional work environment is essential for success and Centenary provides just that!
"What made me want to take this job is the challenge of doing the "impossible" – that is what excites me because that is what I have always done. As one of the most decorated athletes from XULA to now an award-winning head coach at age 25. I do not believe in impossible, fear, or limitations - I only believe in reaping what I sow. I believe if I sow into this program WE will reap history!"
"My expectations for this upcoming Fall are to be competitive academically and athletically within our conference. My expectations for the team are to embrace a new culture of constantly striving for success in all aspects of life.
Getting to know Coach Black:
"My grandfather is James shack Harris, the first black quarterback to start and win a playoff game in NFL history. He has tons of other cool facts about him like being a part of Super Bowl championship wins, working as an NFL executive at multiple organizations, and being Kayla Black's grandfather".
"My father James Black was one of the best high school football players in Shreveport at Fair Park High School from 1983-87."
"I've gone to the Junior Olympics in both track and volleyball, and I've been awarded All-State in both Texas and Louisiana."
"My favorite sport is football and my favorite non-volleyball activities are cooking and painting"
Admission is FREE to all Centenary home athletic contests. Live stats and live video stream are available for all Centenary home contests.
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