Amber McCray enters her third year as the head coach of the Lady Techsters after leading Louisiana Tech to its best season since 2003 in her first season at the helm back in 2019.
In 2020-21, McCray brought in a recruiting class of nine newcomers, including the team's leader in kills per set (Elizabeth Sandoval) and blocks per set (Morgan Smith). In the classroom, McCray's focus on academic excellence resulted in the Lady Techster program setting a program record with 18 C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll recipients.
The Techsters recorded a record of 13-15 in 2019, including a blistering 11-4 start to the season. The hot start included a wins at two of Tech's three early season tournaments and a stretch in which the Lady Techsters reeled off eight wins in nine matches.
Statistically, Tech improved in several categories in 2019. The Lady Techsters posted more kills, assists, aces, and blocks per set than in 2018 while returning many of the same student-athletes. The 2019 team also committed 99 fewer errors than the prior year.
The former Florida All-American was named the 10th head coach in Louisiana Tech volleyball history on December 12, 2018.
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 1st or 2nd 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.
Holt, who played at the University of Pacific, comes from Cisco College where she served as an assistant coach for two seasons.
“Alex has the ability to immediately impact our program in a variety of ways both in the technical setting on the court and in the background of what makes Louisiana Tech Volleyball run,” said McCray. “Throughout the whole hiring process, we were thoroughly impressed by her maturity, attention to detail, and overall knowledge of the game that will serve her greatly in this role.
“She also consistently showed that her passion and understanding of the ‘big picture’ aspects of coaching directly aligns with the vision we have set for this program. We are thrilled to have her join our family.”
During her time at Cisco, Holt assisted in technical and physical training, identified prospective student-athletes, managed statistical operations and designed social media content across all platforms for the volleyball program.
“I am very excited to be here in Ruston and a member of the LA Tech family,” said Holt. “Thank you to Coach McCray and Coach Hays for the opportunity to join this amazing staff and be part of their vision for the Lady Techster volleyball program. I am 100% bought in.”
“Now that I’m here, I’m ready to get to work to share my knowledge and experience with our student-athletes.”
Holt trained middle blockers, right sides and team blocking system at Cisco. In 2021, two student-athletes received all conference honors as the team produced an 18 win season.
“Alex was a great asset to the Cisco College Volleyball program,” said Cisco head coach Jon Stenman. “Alex’s passion for the game and desire to learn made her invaluable in the improvement our program saw the last two years. I wish her the best, and I know she will continue to do great things for the Lady Techster Volleyball program.”
Prior to coaching at Cisco College, Holt played at Pacific from 2014-2019, competing on both the indoor and beach volleyball teams. Holt was named the team captain in her final season with the Tigers.
In her senior season, she played in all 29 matches and finished her career with 399 kills and 167 total blocks.
“I am so proud of her,” said Pacific head coach Greg Gibbons. “Alex is a relentless competitor and exceptional teacher and leader. She exemplifies what positive leadership is all about and has a growth mindset and truly helped our program on and off the court in her time with us. She will do great things as a member of Lady Techster Volleyball, and I look forward to watching her grow as a coach and teacher.”
The Sacramento, California native graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and a minor in teaching professions in 2018. She received her master’s degree in the fall of 2019 in educational and organizational leadership from Pacific.