HT names LaTonya Washington as the Rams' next volleyball coach

AUSTIN – Huston-Tillotson University has hired LaTonya Washington as the school's head volleyball coach, HT Director of Athletics Thomas Henderson announced Wednesday.
 
A native of Bangor, Mich., Washington has been a fixture in Austin since graduating from the University of Texas in 2007. She has been a club volleyball coach for more than 20 years and founded the Texas Heat Volleyball Club in Austin.
 
"This is an exciting new chapter of my life and I'm looking forward to the challenge," Washington said. "I'm also looking forward to helping these players grow as athletes and young women."
 
As the founder and owner of Texas Heat, Washington has developed and implemented programs in skills, club organization, and coaching development. She was also responsible for conducting on-court skills training for athletes, focusing on technique and strategy, as well as using game film study to improve player performances.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome LaTonya Washington to the Huston-Tillotson University family and look forward to witnessing the impact she will have on our volleyball program," Henderson said. "With her extensive experience in the field and passion for the sport, Latonya brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to our program.
 
"Her experience as a coach and administrator with Texas Heat will greatly enhance our program," Henderson said.
 
Off the court, Washington also built a successful career in education and community service. She served as an academic counselor at Austin Can Academy from 2012 to 2016; Washington also worked for LifeWorks Austin as youth caseworker, where she provided support for homeless youth, administered medications, and created a safe and nurturing environment for them.
 
Washington was a multi-sport star in Michigan before focusing her athletic career in volleyball. She earned all-state honors as a prep athlete in basketball, volleyball, and softball; Washington is still Michigan's all-time leader in strikeouts among high school softball pitchers in that state.
 
"Through these experiences I have developed a winning attitude and understanding of how to turn up the heat and excel in a competitive atmosphere," Washington said. "I don't just focus on personal skills, but also on passing on the knowledge of the game to the young players. I'm always excited about keeping track with the dynamic fast changes of volleyball and being able to pass it along to other athletes, coaches and players alike."
 
Her overall experience in and out of volleyball made her an ideal fit for the volleyball program according to Henderson.
 
"Her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit in managing a volleyball club, as well as her ability to develop programs have showcased her ability to drive success," Henderson said. "Furthermore, her expertise in on-court skills training, technique improvement, film study and analysis, financial management and budgeting, recruitment and evaluation of athletes, and highlight film production for player promotion will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of our program."
 
The HT volleyball team opens their season Sept. 1 when they travel to Angelo State for three matches against NCAA Division II opponents. The Rams' home opener is Saturday, Sept. 20, when they host Austin College.
 
– HT –