By Megan Bryant
Another season is taking shape at Pensacola State College, bringing returning players, new faces, and fresh opportunities for students to join in on the action, whether on the court or in the stands.
Kierra Potts is entering her fourth year at PSC after spending the last three seasons coaching volleyball. She has since moved into a new role as Director of Game Operations, working with marketing, game-day operations and programs across the department.
Although she has stepped away from coaching, Potts said the leadership and management skills she developed on the sidelines continue to guide her in her new position. Coaching taught her how to lead a team and make quick decisions—skills she now uses to manage people and solve problems behind the scenes on game days.
PSC has also introduced Potts to a different rhythm of college athletics. Coming from a four-year program, she was accustomed to working with upperclassmen who already understood their teams’ expectations and routines. At our college, many players arrive directly from high school and spend only a couple of years with the Pirates before continuing their education and athletic careers elsewhere. The faster turnover rate, in comparison to a 4-year University, means coaches are often building up a new group and reteaching their expectations all over again.
For many players, PSC is not the final stop. It is a place to develop, compete and prepare for whatever court, field or campus comes next.
That development can open doors for athletes who may have previously been overlooked. “We’ve had multiple instances where we’ve seen a nonstarter in high school turn into our star player, an All-American,” Potts said.
For students hoping to make that same leap, the first step is reaching out.
Those interested in joining a PSC team can find coaches’ contact information on the PSC Athletics website. Potts recommends that prospective players introduce themselves and include their position, high school, playing background, and film that demonstrates their abilities.
“That’s the biggest thing coaches want to see,” Potts said.
From there, a student may be invited to campus for a visit or tryout. Camps hosted by PSC teams offer another chance to meet coaches and learn more about their programs.
But wearing a Pirates jersey is not the only way to become part of the action.
“We want our students at the games,” Potts said.
The department has been working to make game days more engaging by building connections beyond campus. Potts said high school dance groups have performed during halftime at basketball games, while corporate sponsors have become more involved in the overall experience.
This fall also brings a new gathering place for students. PSC’s new soccer field is scheduled to host its first home match on Sept. 3rd, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned to celebrate its opening.
The department also plans to participate in Welcome Week activities, giving students another opportunity to discover teams, schedules, and upcoming events. Potts wants students to feel comfortable entering the athletic facilities, asking about the next game and becoming part of the atmosphere, even if they never compete themselves.
For students who have never attended a Pirates game or may not know what is happening just across campus, Potts’ invitation is simple.
“Come on, come on over,” Potts said. “We’re friendly people.”