Softball makes coaching switch

The Lady Panthers softball team will be shifting some things around for the upcoming season, as Vernon Bland will be serving as the new head coach.

A graduate of PVAMU with a bachelor's degree in management and marketing in 1991, Bland has been with the Lady Panther ‘s for four years as an assistant coach before his recent promotion. Bland became a member of the Zeta Beta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in the fall of 1989 and is now an active member of the Prairie View alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.

As an undergrad, he was a four-year starter at pitcher and short- stop. In addition to coaching softball, Bland also works as an academic advisor in University College.

Bland said, "I've watched the ladies go from having only two wins in a season, to winning 12 games last season, were definitely on the right track. The overall goal of winning the conference will remain the same." Bland's appointment has also brought other new additions to the coaching staff, including graduate assistantMyneatric Woodard and student assistant Bridgett Coronado. Joseph Lane will also be joining the staff as the new assistant coach.

Woodard says, "Our girls this season are coming in with experience under their belts, as long as we keep up the intensity and work ethic that we have now, I expect to see great things in the spring." The team is also operating under a new motto, "Team work makes the dream work."

The former head coach Lana Williams resigned from her position last spring following controversy involving former team member Destini Darby.

According to those close to the team Darby didn't agree with the coaching style which lead to her suspension from the team and ultimately led to her being dismissed from the team all together.