TALLADEGA, Ala. — Talladega College men's and women's head volleyball coach Lashaunda Spurgeon has been named to the 2024-2025 Advancement of Blacks in Sports (ABIS) Volleyball Black Coaches Watchlist, recognizing her as a leading figure in promoting diversity and inclusion in sports. This honor highlights her dedication and influence in a field where representation is crucial.

"I am deeply honored to be named to the Advancement of Blacks in Sports Coaches Volleyball Watchlist," Spurgeon said. "It's a humbling experience to be recognized alongside such talented and dedicated individuals who are making an impact in sports."

Appointed as the men's and women's head volleyball coach at Talladega College in February 2023, Spurgeon made an immediate impact. In her first season, she garnered GCAC Coach of the Year honors and was named the AVCA Southeast Region Coach of the Year. Under her leadership, the Lady Tornadoes achieved a historic 31-9 overall record, including a 15-1 mark in league play.

Her team won the GCAC regular-season championship and tournament, closing the season with a 10-match winning streak. During this streak, the Lady Tornadoes swept nine contests and dropped just one set, finishing 11-1 at home. This achievement marked the college's first volleyball championship and set a school record for most wins. Spurgeon also celebrated her 100th career win in 2023, bringing her overall record to 112-64.

The ABIS Watchlist, now in its fourth year, serves as a valuable resource for athletic administrators and search firms. This year's list includes eight head coaches, ten assistant coaches, and several graduate assistants and operations personnel, all selected to inspire interest in volleyball coaching.

Spurgeon, a native of Albertville, Alabama, has made significant strides in her career. With her roots in volleyball, basketball, and track at Albertville High School, she pursued a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education at Stillman College, where she excelled in volleyball and track. Her achievements include top rankings in service aces, kills, and blocks, and back-to-back SIAC women's javelin champion titles in 2011 and 2012.

She sees this recognition as a nod to her commitment to her craft and impact on students.

"Personally, it reaffirms my belief in hard work, persistence, and the importance of representation," Spurgeon said about her recognition. "Professionally, it highlights the progress we're making in creating opportunities for Black coaches in sports."

She shared that navigating her field has certainly not been easy, but her experiences have helped her blaze a trail that has positively impacted the lives of her student-athletes.

"One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming stereotypes and the lack of representation in our sport," she shared. "These challenges have fueled my determination to succeed and create opportunities for others like me."

Spurgeon's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment is evident in her coaching philosophy. "I focus on building an inclusive team culture where everyone feels valued and heard," she explained. "Representation matters, and seeing someone who looks like them in a leadership role can inspire young athletes and coaches."

Her impact extends beyond her teams. As a coach at an HBCU, she views her role as a powerful platform for advancing diversity goals and challenging perceptions about HBCU athletics.

"This recognition provides a platform to amplify my voice and advocate for greater representation in my sport," Spurgeon said. "I plan to use it to build connections, inspire change, and continue fostering opportunities for growth within my teams and the community."

As she looks to the future, Spurgeon remains committed to building competitive and inclusive teams. "I aspire to represent not only my institution but also HBCU sports and Black coaches on a national stage," she said.

Organizations like ABIS play a pivotal role in changing the sports landscape. "They are crucial for spotlighting the achievements of Black coaches, advocating for equity, and providing support systems," Spurgeon emphasized.

Coach Spurgeon's recognition by the ABIS Watchlist underscores her commitment to excellence and her role as an inspiring leader in the volleyball community and beyond.

To see a full listing of Watchlist honorees, visit weareabis.org/watch-list/.