Blue Mountain Christian names Karnard McCray assistant women’s basketball coach
BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University has named Karnard McCray assistant coach for the women’s basketball program, the university announced. McCray brings a combination of coaching experience and ministry leadership that aligns with the school’s mission to develop student-athletes spiritually, academically and athletically.
A native of Baker County, Florida, McCray spent the 2025-26 season at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee. He began the season as an assistant with the Panthers’ men’s basketball program before joining the women’s staff midway through the year and helping guide Pellissippi State to a Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association quarterfinal appearance.
McCray previously coached with the Memphis Home Education Association in Memphis, Tennessee. He spent three seasons as an assistant with the MHEA 18U boys team, helping the program capture two Boys 18U Undisputed National Championships. He also served as head coach of the MHEA 16U boys team, compiling a 50-22 record over two seasons, advancing to two National Christian Homeschool Championship Final Four appearances and reaching the Big South Regional Championship game twice, including a regional title in 2024.
His pathway into coaching grew from ministry work in Memphis, where he served as a full-time missionary with the North American Mission Board and said he found coaching to be an effective avenue for discipleship and mentorship. McCray earned a bachelor’s degree in religion with a missions emphasis from Carson-Newman University and plans to pursue a master’s degree while serving at BMCU. He is a member of First Baptist Church Macclenny in Macclenny, Florida, and said he looks forward to joining the North Mississippi community.
“I am honored and grateful to accept the position of Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at BMCU,” McCray said in a university release. BMCU women’s basketball head coach Tracy Rice said McCray’s work in missions and coaching set him apart and that his leadership will be an asset to the program and university.
