Top 5 – Reasons I Came to LA Tech

June 2, 2020

Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have the chance to learn a little more about our Louisiana Tech Athletics Family. We'll call it Tech Top 5. Go to LATech.edu for more Top 5s. #TogetherApart

Amber McCray

Louisiana Tech head volleyball coach Amber McCray is entering her second season in Ruston leading the Lady Techster program. During her first year in Ruston, she led the program to its best season since 2003 and is poised to make some noise in C-USA in 2020. As a player, the former Florida All-American excelled on and 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. 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.  


1. The Tech Family is real – I only had two other employers before coming to Louisiana Tech, the University Athletic Association (University of Florida athletic department) and Panola College. Both of them provided an extremely family-oriented work atmosphere that was clearly valued by their leadership, so I knew finding a school and athletic program that could provide the same family feeling was going to be a requirement when contemplating my next move. I felt that from the moment I stepped foot on campus. One of my favorite memories from my first few months here at Tech was the annual Midnight Breakfast last spring. I stood in awe for a few moments as I just watched President Guice personally greet every student who came through the door. There were hundreds, and he made it a point to make every one of them feel seen, acknowledged and special. I also watched faculty and staff of all ages from all different departments volunteer their time (and sleep) to come help serve those same students breakfast. I already knew before, but that night was simply confirmation my new family is for real.
 
2. Ruston is a special place – Growing up in East Texas I am more than familiar with southern charm, but I believe Ruston truly takes it to a new level. I remember my first week in town when my parents came to help me move, and we were all just so amazed by the friendliness and hospitality of everyone we encountered. People hold doors open, strangers smile and wave as you walk by, employees at large chains like Wal-Mart and Lowes actually stop whatever they're doing to help you when you ask and will even walk you directly to the product or to another employee who can. This sense of community was exhibited furthermore in the aftermath of the tornado last April. As we spread out with our team all over the city on the morning after to help bring lunch and water to those who were assisting with the recovery efforts, it seemed the entire city of Ruston was out doing the same. Picking up debris, cleaning, offering free food and other donations to whoever needed it, and anything else they could do to simply HELP. There were many tears shed that day, but they weren't all sad. HOME should feel like it, and here is definitely does.  

3. A chance to build – For me, taking over the helm of Louisiana Tech Volleyball offered a unique challenge and opportunity. We are in a situation where we have a chance to completely re-brand a program with goals of achieving history one day. In addition to playing in a competitive league like Conference USA, I believe we have the support, resources, and other qualities recruits look for to attract some talented student-athletes to Ruston and build on the experienced core we inherited. Our staff adopted the mantra "Brick by Brick" last spring as an ode to the fact that we know in order to accomplish all of the lofty goals we have set for our program, we are going to have to build it from the ground up, brick by brick, and truly reiterate the importance of every aspect that goes into making student-athletes and a collegiate athletic program successful.   

4. Best of both worlds – Not everyone wants to be in a huge city at a huge school where they can feel like just a number, but they do often still want the academic prestige of a big school and a successful athletic program rooted in tradition. Louisiana Tech offers high academic standards and cutting edge research, commitment to growth and facility improvement with new construction and renovations all over campus, and a storied history in NCAA athletics all while still offering small class sizes, the comfort of being named the "Safest University in Louisiana", and just an overall small school charm. I strongly feel Louisiana Tech offers the best of both worlds, and for me it was the perfect fit!

5. Close to my family – I listed this at number 5 simply because it wasn't necessarily a requirement, but it was certainly the icing on the cake! After spending 8 years being 13 hours away from my family while I was in Florida, I was blessed to spend 8 more just 45 minutes down the road while at Panola. As a few other universities called over the past few years I struggled with the idea of relocating so far away again, and my fear of missing family events was beginning to kick in big time. Then suddenly God opened up this door, and all it took was a short move less than 2 hours down the road! I can still, with careful planning, make it home to my nephews' football games and school plays, or even just a quick trip west for "sister time" and to see my parents. Anyone who remotely knows me knows how important my family time is to me, so I will forever be grateful for this opportunity to keep my precious time spent with them intact.