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Amber McCray, new volleyball assistant coach.

Amber McCray wants to go far.

Originally from Longview, McCray is entering her first year as assistant coach for the Fillies Volleyball team.  She comes to Panola after spending three years working in women’s administration in the University of Florida athletic department.  McCray earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and then completed her sport management master’s degree. 

While at Florida, McCray was a dominant opposite hitter for the Gators volleyball team from 2003-2007 and a two-year captain. Despite battling knee and shoulder injuries for most of her collegiate career, McCray still finished with 2^nd Team All-American honors in 2006, 1^st Team All-SEC honors in 2006 and 2007, AVCA All-South Region honors in 2006, and nominations to the Regional All-Tournament Team  in 2005 and 2007. Her .351 career hitting efficiency is the highest in school history by an opposite hitter. It also helped her finish her career ranked 10^th overall in the Gator Volleyball record books, right behind her older sister Nicole who is ranked 9^th at .352. McCray is one of just five players, and two non-middle blockers, in UF History to hit .300 or better in each of her collegiate seasons. Her .370 hitting clip during her junior season set the UF record by opposite hitters and ranked 4^th in the Southeastern Conference.  McCray also led the Gators that year in kills per game (3.72) and points per game (4.19).

While she excelled on the court, McCray also excelled off the court, earning ESPN The Magazine 2^nd 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 UF at the NCAA Leadership Convention in 2006, and her efforts in the Gainesville community earned her a spot on the SEC Community Service Team  as a senior in 2007. Her senior year, the younger McCray also received the Tracey Caulkins Award, presented to the top graduating female student-athlete who possesses the traits of academic acheivement, athletic acheivement, leadership and involvement in the community.

McCray's plans for this year is to take the Fillies to the National Tournament and bring home the title. McCray says, "The support for the Panola Volleyball team has grown and I would like to see it continue growing."