MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer University is bringing one of its own back to lead its women’s basketball program.
The Pfeiffer athletic department announced that former player Vontreece Hayes has been hired as the Falcons’ new coach, replacing fourth-year coach Tooey Loy after a 6-17 season.
Hayes has spent the past two years as an assistant at Division II Millersville University in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
During her two seasons with the Marauders, the team improved from a 7-20 record to an 18-12 mark that included a postseason run to the quarterfinals of the PSAC Tournament for the first time in four years.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank President Scott Bullard, Athletic Director Zac Chilton, and Vice President of Athletics Jeff Childress for believing and entrusting me with this opportunity,” Hayes said in a press release. “I am excited to collaborate with the Athletic Department and the University to continue to progress the University and create memorable experiences for students here at Pfeiffer University.
“I am honored to become the next head coach at Pfeiffer University. This is a full-circle moment from all spectrums; to return to The Village to begin my head coaching career, where I started my collegiate career 13 years ago, is nostalgic. I also have a special place in my heart for the USA South, so returning for the third time means everything to me.”
Before her time at Millersville, Hayes was head coach at Robert B. Glenn High School in Kernersville in 2020-21, coaching two All-Central Piedmont 4A honorees.
Dating back to her playing career, Hayes spent time at Pfeiffer before transferring to Greensboro College for her final two seasons of eligibility. She graduated there with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics in 2015.
She served as a team captain her senior year as she led The Pride to an undefeated 11-0 home record. Her team also won the USA South regular season and tournament championships to earn an NCAA Tournament appearance.
After graduating from Greensboro, Hayes joined its coaching staff as the lead assistant and had two stints as interim head coach. Her teams had a 19-7 record and 15-11 record in back-to-back seasons.
She is also the founder of the Check Up seminar that focuses on individual growth from a mental health perspective and combines book readings and self-awareness exercises to help players achieve their personal goals.