Latest news with #Bays
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Purdue, Maryland standout becomes HBCU coach
The post Former Purdue, Maryland standout becomes HBCU coach appeared first on ClutchPoints. Former Maryland and Purdue University hoops standout Whitney Bay is taking her coaching talents to an HBCU. She is set to become the new head women's basketball coach of West Virginia State University, per a statement by the institution. Advertisement 'I'm incredibly honored and humbled to be named the head women's basketball coach at WV State University,' Bays said in a statement. 'This university has a strong historical foundation, and I'm excited to build on that tradition. My vision is to develop champions on the court, in the classroom, and in life. It's good to be home. Go State!' 'Whitney Bays is a proven leader who has consistently elevated programs at every level, from high school state championships to NCAA Tournament success,' said Sean McAndrews, Interim Athletic Director at WVSU. 'Her ability to develop elite talent, like AAC All-Conference players and Big South All-Stars, while maintaining a relentless focus on academic accountability, makes her the perfect fit for our mission. Whitney's championship mindset, both as a player and coach, combined with her deep ties to West Virginia basketball, will ignite our program and inspire our student-athletes to compete at the highest level in the Mountain East Conference.' Bay has a basketball legacy synonymous with West Virginia, and the new position is a homecoming of sorts. She led Huntington High School to three consecutive state championship appearances, capped by back-to-back state titles during her time as an assistant coach for the program. During her high school playing career, Bays captured two Gatorade West Virginia Player of the Year titles and became a 1,000-point scorer. At Purdue University, Bays carved her name into the program's record books. From 2013 to 2015, she was a two-time All-Big Ten Second Team selection and the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year in 2014. Her tenacity on the boards earned her the top rebounding average (8.9 per game) in Purdue's history, and she recorded 23 career double-doubles, ranking third all-time at Purdue. Advertisement Bays' success didn't stop after her collegiate career. She played professionally across several countries, dominating leagues internationally. Most notably, her achievements in Puerto Rico include being named League MVP and spearheading her team's run to a league championship. Bays has transitioned her skills into coaching and shown a knack for building winning teams. At Gardner-Webb University, she helped guide the team to a historic 29-5 record and an undefeated 21-0 Big South Conference season in 2023, culminating in the program's first NCAA Tournament berth in 12 years. Her work with the Bulldogs produced multiple individual accolades, including the Big South Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Her most recent role at the University of Memphis further demonstrated her ability to develop talent and craft winning strategies. While at Memphis, Bays coached standout players such as NCAA All-Conference honorees and rising stars who dominated the American Athletic Conference. Now, she joins a West Virginia State team that's coming off an 18-13 record in the 2024 season. Bay looks to build off of that success and turn the team into a sustained contender. Related: David Banner and other notable alumni of Southern University Related: HBCU alumna runs against her brother in Florida primary race
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Memphis assistant takes HBCU job
Whitney Bays, a former assistant at Division I Memphis, is now the head coach of the women's basketball program at West Virginia State University. The move brings a high-level coach to a Division II HBCU with championship aspirations. Bays spent the 2023–2024 season at Memphis, where she coached both post players and guards. She played a key role in recruiting and film preparation while also overseeing player development and academics. While at Memphis, she worked with several standouts, including AAC First Team honoree Tilly Boler and All-Defensive Team selection Alasia Smith. Before her time at Memphis, Bays served as an assistant at Gardner-Webb University. There, she helped the program post a 29–5 record and win the Big South Championship. The team went undefeated in conference play and earned an NCAA Tournament bid-their first since 2010. She coached the league's Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Bays' coaching roots also include three seasons at Huntington High School in West Virginia. She helped lead the team to back-to-back state titles and a 24–1 record in 2021. Her focus extended off the court, ensuring academic success through study halls and teacher engagement. As a player, Bays was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in West Virginia. At Purdue, she earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors and set a school rebounding record. Her professional career spanned five countries, including a championship and MVP season in Puerto Rico. Now, she takes over at an HBCU with a rich athletic tradition. Her West Virginia ties and winning background bring fresh energy to the Yellow Jackets. This hire makes Bays one of several coaches in recent years to leave a Division I role for an HBCU head coaching opportunity. Her path from Memphis to Institute shows that Division II HBCUs continue to attract experienced talent ready to lead. The post Memphis assistant takes HBCU job appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Virginia Airman killed in World War II returns home after being ruled non-recoverable
VIRGINIA (WAVY) – A World War II airman reportedly lost his life on Dec. 7, 1941, after Japanesse aircrafts attacked Oahu, destroying U.S. aircraft, hangars, barracks, supply buildings, and the base chapel in a four-hour attack. Donald E. Bays, 21, was previously determined to be non-recoverable on Dec. 27, 1948, but his remains have now returned home. Bays was one of 12 soldiers whose identities were unconfirmed from the bombing on Hickam Field, after members of the American Graves Registration Service were tasked with recovering and identifying the fallen soldiers in August 1947. Bays was officially accounted for on Dec. 20, 2024. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) scientists were able to identify Bays using anthropological and dental analysis, along with circumstantial evidence. In addition scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA and autosomal DNA analysis. Bays family has been fully briefed on his identification and he will be buried in Lee County, Virginia in May 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
