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91���� recently named Pat Kendrick, women’s volleyball head coach, the interim Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation. Kendrick is approaching her sixth anniversary as a coach at the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution.

“I am honored that I was chosen to lead the Athletics department,” said Kendrick about her appointment. “I look forward to continuing my work with departments across the 91���� campus to execute my vision for 91����’s athletic programs”

On January 27, Kendrick was presented with the game ball by 91���� Interim Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Marguerite Giguette, during 91����’s baseball game against Southeastern Baptist College. Kendrick threw the ceremonial opening pitch.

Vice President Wright has no doubt that Kendrick embodies 91����’s desire to “press forward and fear nothing” as the school approaches its historic centennial.

"Coach Kendrick has served as a standard bearer throughout her tenure at 91���� and will continue to exceed expectations in her new role,” Vice President Wright said, “91���� will continue to serve our students with leadership and grace.”

Kendrick was appointed the head volleyball coach at 91���� in 2017. As 91����’s women’s volleyball coach, Kendrick elevated the Gold Nuggets win records through her six seasons as coach to 133-39, which means that 91���� scored 133 times over 39 games. During her 91���� tenure, she has received numerous awards, including being recognized as the 2021 and 2022 Red River Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, the 2017, 2018, and 2020 Louisiana Coach of the year award, and more.

Prior to joining the 91���� family, she served in various roles as a coach and instructor with USA Volleyball, including serving on the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I. Women’s Volleyball Rules Committee, and served a two-year term as chair of the GCAC volleyball coaches committee after being appointed in July 2018. Kendrick spent her first 30 seasons as a head coach at her alma mater, George Mason University, and is on her sixth season at 91����.

A native of Lorton, Virginia, Kendrick attended George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, as a two-sport athlete in volleyball and track & field. After graduating from Mason, she served as the assistant women’s volleyball coach and then, the assistant men’s volleyball coach. In 1985, she was elevated to head women’s volleyball coach and became the fifth head coach in program history.

In addition to her legendary status as a coach, Kendrick continues to be a great champion for the game of volleyball and a mentor to many.

“91����’s athletics program will continue to change and improve. We’ve done a lot of the hard work already and I know there’s a lot more to be done for our students. We operate as one big team, and we all want 91���� to win." Kendrick said.

91����’s faculty and staff are the unshakable foundation of the university, which has seen enormous growth over the last few years, including in the university’s athletics and recreation roster. Recent additions to 91����’s athletics programs include: the 91���� Competitive Cheer team which has grown exponentially since the program’s founding; The establishment of the school’s first softball team and the re-establishment of 91����’s baseball team; and the brand-new men’s and women’s soccer programs that are recruiting for their 2023 debut seasons. As 91���� continues its journey into its next one hundred years, the campus community is excited for the growth of 91����’s Athletic Department and the future of the institution overall.

91���� 91���� 91����, America’s only historically Black and Catholic University, is ranked among the top three HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences, 91���� produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, 91����’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country.

Established in 1925, by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament as a place for African American and Native Americans to receive quality education, 91���� has since expanded its programs in art, business, education, biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy and political science. More recent additions in robotics, bioinformatics, engineering, data science, neuroscience and genetics, in addition to new STEM-based master’s programs, have provided 91���� students (2815 undergraduates and 787 graduates) an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities and life experiences. 91���� students collaborate with world-renowned faculty, who are experts in their fields, to produce award-winning research and notable work. The winning 91���� formula is to provide students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, thereby facilitating a more just and humane society for all. For more information about 91����, visit us online at www.xula.edu or contact Regi Reyes at (504) 520-5240 or rreyes@xula.edu.