Latest news with #PrairieViewA&M
Miami Herald
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Recently Hired HBCU HC Adds Former Player to Staff
HBCU women's basketball is getting a powerful new pairing. When new Prairie View A&M head coach Tai Dillard needed someone to help shape the future of her program, she didn't have to look far. She reached back to a trusted former player. One who embodies toughness, leadership, and the kind of drive Dillard wants to instill at PVAMU. Enter Bria Patterson, who will join the Lady Panthers as the Director of Basketball Operations for the 2025–26 season. This move isn't just a hire-it's a full-circle moment. Dillard, a Texas basketball legend in her own right, spent nearly a decade at the University of Houston building one of the American Athletic Conference's most competitive squads. While serving as the Cougars' associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, she scouted and mentored standout players. Including a gritty guard from DeSoto High School named Bria Patterson. Now, Dillard and Patterson are teaming up again in women's basketball-this time at one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference's (SWAC) most tradition-rich HBCU institutions. "Bria was the kind of player every coach wants-disciplined, fearless, and coachable," Dillard said. "To now bring her into the operations side of the game is special. She knows what I expect, and more importantly, she knows how to connect with the student-athletes we're building around." Patterson, who starred at Houston from 2019 to 2023, was known for doing the dirty work. She made 29 starts in her senior year and set a school record for most minutes in a single game. Logging 54 in a triple-overtime classic against East Carolina. She routinely ranked among the team's leaders in rebounds, steals, and defensive stops, often guarding the opposing team's best perimeter scorer. While her box score stats were impressive-nearly 300 points and 66 steals her senior year-her true value came in her intangibles. Patterson led by example, grinded through adversity, and never backed down from a challenge. All of that will now carry over to her role at Prairie View A&M. The Director of Basketball Operations gig is more than just logistics. It's about setting a culture. Patterson will coordinate team travel, manage schedules, oversee day-to-day program operations, and serve as a liaison between coaches and players. For someone who lived the student-athlete grind under Dillard's demanding style, it's a role tailor-made for her. "Bria's voice matters because she's walked the walk," Dillard said. "She'll be a tremendous mentor for our young women because she knows what it takes to succeed in this system." The hiring of Patterson also signals something deeper: Tai Dillard is building her program with loyalty and trust. A San Antonio native and former WNBA player, Dillard is one of the most respected basketball minds in Texas. She played for legendary coach Jody Conradt at the University of Texas, where she helped lead the team to a Final Four appearance in 2003. She later played for the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Houston Comets (now known as the Houston Stealth). Her coaching stops include stints at Ole Miss, USC, UTSA, and, most recently, the University of Houston, where she became one of the most respected recruiters in the country. At Houston, she helped guide the Cougars to multiple WNIT appearances and mentored record-setting guard Laila Blair. Dillard was also selected for the NCAA Champion Forum, a premier leadership development program for rising head coaches. Now at Prairie View A&M, she's not just trying to win games. She's trying to build an HBCU program with staying power-and that starts with bringing in people who share her vision. In Patterson, Dillard has someone who knows the system, understands the standards, and can help bridge the gap between past success and future dominance. Patterson's journey from a three-time First Team All-District selection at DeSoto High to key contributor at Houston-and now to Prairie View A&M's operations team-embodies the values of grit and growth. "I'm excited to be part of something bigger than myself," Patterson said. "Coach Dillard changed my life as a player. Now, I get to help her change lives at Prairie View." With Tai Dillard steering the ship and Bria Patterson helping run the engine room, HBCU women's basketball just got a serious upgrade. The post Recently Hired HBCU HC Adds Former Player to Staff appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
New York Post
14-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Jackson Bailey, former Prairie View A&M college football player, dead at 22
Former Prairie View A&M football player Jackson Bailey has died, the program announced on Tuesday. The cause of death for the 22-year-old has not been revealed. Bailey joined the football program for the 2023 season but did not appear in any games for the university located in Texas. 4 Jackson Bailey of Prairie View A&M died on Tuesday due to an unknown cause. 'The Prairie View A&M University Department of Athletics extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, teammates and fraternity brothers of Jackson 'Jacks' Bailey, a cherished member of the Panther football program and the PVAMU community,' the university's statement read. 'Jackson joined the football team for the 2023–24 season. Although he did not appear in any official games, his presence and energy were felt deeply within the locker room and across campus. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. – Zeta Beta Chapter, Jackson exemplified brotherhood, resilience, and purpose. 4 Jackson Bailey is memorialized in a social media image by Coach Bam Harrison. Bam Harrison/Facebook 'He chose Prairie View A&M to be closer to home, and in doing so, became an unforgettable part of our campus family. Though his time at PVAMU was brief, the impact he made will resonate for years to come. We honor and remember Jackson 'Jacks' Bailey not only for his potential and promise but for the way he lived—with purpose, humor, humility and heart.' Family members also paid tribute to Bailey on Facebook. 'With heavy hearts, we share the passing of my brother, Jackson Phillip Bailey as of Monday June 9, 2025,' the statement reads. 'A loving son, brother, teammate, LB, and friend—his presence was a gift to everyone who knew him. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Funeral details TBA. Rest easy, Baby Boy. We love you.' 4 Jackson Bailey (center, seated) is memorialized in a social media image posted by coach Michael Quintero (center rear). Michael Quintero/Facebook The Red Oak, Texas native began his college football career at Arizona, entering his freshman as a three-star linebacker recruit and went on to redshirt the 2021 season before transferring to Louisiana-Monroe. He played nine games in the 2022 season, tallying 14 total tackles and one quarterback hurry. During his junior year of high school, Red Oak reached the regional finals of the Texas 5A D2 State Playoffs where Bailey led the Hawks with 60 total tackles, along with nine tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries. 4 Jackson Bailey is memorialized in a social media image by Coach Bam Harrison. Bam Harrison/Facebook In his senior year, he had 57 total tackles with four for loss, along with one sack, three quarterback hurries, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. That season, the school advanced to the quarterfinals of the Texas 5A D1 State Playoffs.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Three-time WNBA champion joins HBCU program
Prairie View A&M has made a major splash in the HBCU coaching landscape by hiring WNBA legend and Texas Tech Hall of Famer Plenette Pierson. She has joined the women's basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach. The former WNBA champion brings over two decades of elite basketball experience to Prairie View A&M for the 2024-25 season. Pierson joins the Lady Panthers after serving as associate head coach at Texas Tech, her alma mater, where she was instrumental in the team's resurgence. During her tenure, the Lady Raiders posted back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in over a decade and reached the quarterfinals of both the Big 12 Tournament and the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT). Known for her ability to develop post players and lead recruiting efforts, Pierson helped guide Texas Tech to key wins over top-tier programs including Virginia Tech, Arkansas, and Iowa State. Her influence helped produce All-Big 12 standouts and one of the nation's top transfer classes. A former No. 4 overall pick in the 2003 WNBA Draft, Pierson is a three-time WNBA champion and former Sixth Woman of the Year. Her move to Prairie View A&M marks a powerful new chapter for HBCU women's basketball. Pierson was hired by new PVAMU head coach Tia Dillard, a former standout at Texas and WNBA veteran. Dillard comes over from the University of Houston, where she helped guide the Cougars to multiple postseason runs. Known for mentoring sharpshooter Laila Blair and excelling in recruitment, Dillard's leadership is already reshaping Prairie View's HBCU basketball identity. Her decision to hire Pierson blends pro-level pedigree with high-level collegiate coaching insight. The post Three-time WNBA champion joins HBCU program appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Washington Post
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Texas Southern plays in SWAC Tournament against the Prairie View A&M
Prairie View A&M Panthers (10-18, 7-12 SWAC) vs. Texas Southern Tigers (15-14, 14-4 SWAC) College Park, Georgia; Wednesday, 11 a.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M meet in the SWAC Tournament. The Tigers' record in SWAC play is 14-4, and their record is 1-10 against non-conference opponents. Texas Southern has a 1-9 record against opponents above .500. The Panthers' record in SWAC games is 7-12. Prairie View A&M is 4-15 in games decided by at least 10 points. Texas Southern is shooting 38.1% from the field this season, 2.0 percentage points lower than the 40.1% Prairie View A&M allows to opponents. Prairie View A&M has shot at a 39.4% clip from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points higher than the 39.0% shooting opponents of Texas Southern have averaged. The teams meet for the third time this season. Texas Southern won 64-60 in the last matchup on March 8. Aylasia Fantroy led Texas Southern with 19 points, and CJ Wilson led Prairie View A&M with 20 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Fantroy is scoring 12.8 points per game with 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Tigers. Courtlyn Loudermill is averaging 11.4 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 34.5% over the past 10 games. Crystal Schultz is averaging nine points for the Panthers. Wilson is averaging 8.9 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Tigers: 6-4, averaging 64.5 points, 35.2 rebounds, 10.9 assists, 7.6 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 38.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 64.0 points per game. Panthers: 5-5, averaging 56.0 points, 27.4 rebounds, 11.7 assists, 7.0 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 38.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 64.1 points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Associated Press
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Texas Southern plays in SWAC Tournament against the Prairie View A&M
Prairie View A&M Panthers (10-18, 7-12 SWAC) vs. Texas Southern Tigers (15-14, 14-4 SWAC) College Park, Georgia; Wednesday, 11 a.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M meet in the SWAC Tournament. The Tigers' record in SWAC play is 14-4, and their record is 1-10 against non-conference opponents. Texas Southern has a 1-9 record against opponents above .500. The Panthers' record in SWAC games is 7-12. Prairie View A&M is 4-15 in games decided by at least 10 points. Texas Southern is shooting 38.1% from the field this season, 2.0 percentage points lower than the 40.1% Prairie View A&M allows to opponents. Prairie View A&M has shot at a 39.4% clip from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points higher than the 39.0% shooting opponents of Texas Southern have averaged. The teams meet for the third time this season. Texas Southern won 64-60 in the last matchup on March 8. Aylasia Fantroy led Texas Southern with 19 points, and CJ Wilson led Prairie View A&M with 20 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Fantroy is scoring 12.8 points per game with 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Tigers. Courtlyn Loudermill is averaging 11.4 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 34.5% over the past 10 games. Crystal Schultz is averaging nine points for the Panthers. Wilson is averaging 8.9 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Tigers: 6-4, averaging 64.5 points, 35.2 rebounds, 10.9 assists, 7.6 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 38.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 64.0 points per game. Panthers: 5-5, averaging 56.0 points, 27.4 rebounds, 11.7 assists, 7.0 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 38.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 64.1 points. ___
