After a rough few months, Grambling hopes it has righted the ship for its volleyball team by hiring Paige Phillips as their new head coach.
Phillips, a former player and assistant coach for North Carolina Central, arrives at Grambling after a turbulent time for the Tigers.
In April, Grambling hired former player Chelsey Lucas as their head coach.
Lucas, shockingly, cut 19 players from the team almost immediately, including 12 scholarship players and 7 walkons.
Her decision incited an uproar across college sports.
Grambling’s athletic department initially came to Lucas’ defense, saying she was in her right to craft the team she wanted.
But in July, the university backtracked and fired Lucas “due to the determination of an internal investigation within the volleyball program,” said the school in a statement.
That left players and their families in a state of confusion and frustration.
While a few had their scholarships reinstated after meeting with university officials, many families remain uncertain about their daughter’s status both with the program and at the university.
Last week, Brian Howard, GSU’s senior associate athletic director for athletic communications, assured players, families and fans that there would be a team this season and that they would hire a new head coach in time for the season.
The players reported Sunday and on Tuesday the university announced they had hired Phillips.
“We are very excited to welcome Paige Phillips to Grambling State University and to be our next head volleyball coach,” said Grambling State University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Trayvean ScottScott. “She brings a level of excitement and a wealth of knowledge to our program. She played at an HBCU and coached under one of the best volleyball coaches in Jody Brown at North Carolina Central. I am thrilled to be able to bring in a talented coach as we transition to move forward.”
Phillips spent four years at her alma mater, helping to build it into one of the top programs in the MEAC.
“I am elated for this new opportunity at Grambling State University and look forward to leading the volleyball program to new heights,” Phillips said. “I’d also like to thank President (Rick) Gallot and Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Trayvean Scott for their visionary leadership and commitment to excellence for the volleyball program. I cannot wait to get started!”
The Alabama native has a tough road ahead of her.
She must fill out her roster and build the trust back between the program and the players and their families.
But a fresh start is probably best for all involved.
The Tigers open their regular season on August 26th.
