BMCU names Karnard McCray assistant coach
Blue Mountain, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University has named Karnard McCray assistant coach for the women’s basketball program, the university announced Tuesday. The hire brings coaching experience, ministry leadership and a focus on student-athlete development that the university said aligns with its mission.
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 program before joining the women’s staff midseason and helped guide Pellissippi State to a Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association quarterfinal appearance.
Before Pellissippi State, McCray worked with the Memphis Home Education Association, spending three seasons as an assistant with the 18U boys team and helping the program to 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 and leading the team to two National Christian Homeschool Championship Final Four appearances and a Big South Regional Championship in 2024.
McCray served as a full-time missionary with the North American Mission Board while in Memphis and said he discovered coaching as an avenue for discipleship and mentorship. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Carson-Newman University in religion with a missions emphasis and plans to pursue a master’s degree while serving at Blue Mountain. “I am honored and grateful to accept the position of Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at BMCU,” McCray said. “Coach Rice’s leadership and vision for this program made this an opportunity I was eager to be a part of. BMCU is a program on the rise, and I look forward to serving our student-athletes, building meaningful relationships, and helping pursue excellence on and off the court.”
BMCU women’s basketball coach Tracy Rice said McCray’s combination of missions work and coaching set him apart during the hiring process. “I am excited about Karnard joining our staff,” Rice said. “His work in missions and coaching set him apart during the hiring process. Karnard is great with people and his leadership will be a great asset to the future of Blue Mountain women’s basketball and our university.” The university said McCray’s background reflects its values and will help continue building a culture of excellence within the Lady Topper program.
