Bessie Stockard Returns as UDC Head Women’s Volleyball Coach

Washington, DC--Bessie A. Stockard brings a wealth of experience and energy to the University of the District of Columbia Women’s Volleyball program. She returns to the head coaching position after a five year hiatus, having previously coached the UDC team from the middle of the 2000 season until 2003.

During her previous volleyball coaching stint, Stockard amassed a 47 – 27 win, loss record, and saw three of her players invited to participate in international volleyball competition as a result of their athletic prowess on the volleyball court. She continued in her role as an associate professor in the UDC Department of Education after leaving the head coaches position.

Her previous coaching experience includes stints as tennis coach at Montgomery College (four years), where her team won the Regionals once and was runner-up once, qualifying both times to participate in the NCAA National Tennis Championships in Tucson, Arizona. Coach Stockard was named Regional Tennis Coach of the Year in 1997-98. In addition to her collegiate coaching in tennis, she has also been named Coach of the Year in basketball, with her last recognition coming at the 2002 NCAA Division I National Championship in San Antonio, Texas. She was recognized there for her abilities as an African-American coach. Stockard served as head coach of the Federal City College Women’s Basketball Team for many years during which her teams amassed many winning season records, and later as head coach of the University of the District of Columbia Women’s Basketball Team where she had similar experiences.

Her other experiences included directing and supervising the Bessie A. Stockard Boys and Girls Sports Camp for over 15 years.  Coach Stockard grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, where she lettered in two high school sports and earned a scholarship to attend Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama.  Stockard lettered in three sports at Tuskegee (basketball, tennis, track and field), and was inducted into the Tuskegee University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.

UDC Interim Athletics Director Julius L. Smith Jr., in announcing her appointment, said, “A legend has returned. Coach Stockard has already left her imprint on UDC athletics by her previous years of outstanding service as head women’s basketball coach and previously as head women’s volleyball coach. We look forward to her making an even greater contribution to the athletic program as she brings her experience and guidance to the head volleyball coaching position.”  As for her part, Coach Stockard said, “I am excited about returning to coaching and look forward to helping our young ladies develop to their fullest potential on the court and in life.”

Coach Stockard graduated from Tuskegee University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and science and later earned two masters degrees, one in education from the American University, and a second in administration and supervision from the University of the District of Columbia.  Presently, she is completing requirements for a doctorate in education from Grambling State University in Louisiana. She also continues to serve as an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia. During her spare time, she enjoys reading and helping youth succeed.