RUSTON, La. – Former Florida All-American Amber McCray has been named the 10th head coach in Louisiana Tech volleyball history.

McCray comes to Ruston after building Panola College into a nationally ranked program, leading the Fillies to 169 wins and two National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament appearances (2016, 2017). She was one win away from the national tournament in three other seasons at Panola.

"After bringing Amber to our campus, we feel strongly she fits the championship culture we strive for at Louisiana Tech," said Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland. "She is a proven winner everywhere she has been from her playing days at Florida to the last eight years at Panola. Her philosophy runs parallel to ours when it comes to building champions on the court, in the classroom and in life. We are very excited to have her as part of the LA Tech Family."

McCray spent the past eight seasons at Panola – six as the head coach – earning conference Coach of the Year honors in 2014 and 2016 and Region XIV District H Coach of the Year honors in 2016 and Region XIV District I Coach of the Year honors in 2017. She guided the Fillies to a seventh place finish in the national tournament in 2016 and a ninth place finish in 2017.

The 2016 team won 35 matches and was ranked No. 1 in the country in the NJCAA Division I polls over the final three weeks of the season.  It marked her second 30-plus win season at Panola as the 2015 team also accomplished the feat – the first for the program in more than a decade.

"I am honored and beyond blessed for the opportunity to lead the Lady Techster volleyball program," said McCray. "In just a short time on campus, I was convinced Louisiana Tech is a special place and can provide the family atmosphere and support system I've been so grateful for and accustomed to for the past eight years at Panola College.

"I want to thank Tommy McClelland, Mary Kay Hungate and everyone involved in the hiring process for trusting my coaching principles and style to replicate success at the four-year level, and I'm excited to see what new heights we can all achieve together."

During her time at Panola, McCray coached 28 1^st or 2^nd team Region XIV all-conference performers, 19 Region XIV academic all-conference honorees and two NJCAA All-Americans. Panola volleyball had a 100 percent graduation rate for volleyball student-athletes enrolled at the school through all four semesters during McCray's tenure.

McCray spent two years as an assistant coach at Panola (2011-2013) prior to being promoted to the head coaching position in 2013. She has also spent the past eight years coaching club volleyball teams in east Texas.

"We are excited for Coach McCray and the opportunity to go to Louisiana Tech University," said Panola College Director of Athletics Don Clinton. "As a Louisiana Tech alumni, I am a little partial to Tech and proud the university has made the decision to have her as their coach. Amber was a huge part of building our program and maintaining it as a national power on the court and off. She will always be part of the Panola College family, and we wish her and Tech the best of luck."

As a student-athlete at Florida (2003-07), McCray was a two-year captain and a member of five straight Southeastern Conference championship teams (including a medical redshirt season). She was a member of the team that advanced to the national championship game in 2003. She was named second team All-American in 2006 and two-time all-Southeastern Conference in 2006 and 2007.

"The theory that the best teammates make for the best coaches is proven daily in Amber," said Florida head coach Mary Wise, whose 931 career wins ranks No. 1 among women in NCAA volleyball history. "Her talents will be recognized not only on the court, but in the relationships she builds with her players. What a great hire by Louisiana Tech."

McCray also excelled off the court, earning ESPN The Magazine 2nd Team Academic All-American honors in 2007, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District honors from 2005-2007, and SEC Academic Honor Roll from 2004-2007. McCray was nominated to represent the entire UF athletic program at the NCAA Leadership Convention in 2006, and her efforts in the Gainesville community earned her a spot on the SEC Community Service Team in 2007.

As a senior, McCray also received the Tracy Caulkins Award, presented to UF's top graduating female student-athlete who possesses the traits of academic achievement, athletic achievement, leadership and involvement in the community.  

McCray was a decorated three-sport athlete for Pine Tree (Texas) High School, becoming the state of Texas' first two-time recipient of the Gatorade High School Volleyball Player of the Year Award in 2001 and 2002.