Cheri Lindsay was named the new head coach of Memphis Volleyball, Senior Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ed Scott, Ph.D. announced in January of 2025.
“Coach Lindsay possesses a diverse set of experiences as a successful head coach on multiple levels,” Scott said. “She comes from a family and background of high-level athletes that will afford her the ability to attract top-tier talent to Memphis. Last season, Coach Lindsay developed a game plan that allowed her to defeat Memphis while at Prairie View showcasing her ability to strategically position her programs for success. Ultimately, we believe Coach Lindsay will provide a first-class experience for our volleyball student-athletes while elevating the program athletically.”
LINDSAY’S RESUME Lindsay comes to Memphis after spending the previous two seasons as the head coach of her alma mater, Prairie View A&M. She led the Lady Panthers to a 36-29 overall record with a 26-6 record in conference play over the past two seasons.
“I am beyond excited to join the University of Memphis as the head volleyball coach,” said Lindsay. “This opportunity represents not just a new chapter in my career, but a chance to build a program centered around excellence, teamwork and a commitment to success. I can’t wait to get started and help elevate this team to new heights!”
During the 2024 season, Lindsay’s Lady Panthers finished with a 13-3 record in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play, reaching the quarterfinals of the conference tournament. Three of Lindsay’s athletes, Kylee Owens, Janyah Henderson and Leah Lawson all were named to postseason conference teams. Under Lindsay’s guidance, Owens was also recognized as the SWAC Player of the Year, in addition to being named as an honorable mention on the AVCA All-American and All-Southwest Region teams.
In her first season as the head coach at Prairie View A&M, Lindsay led the Tigers to a 19-13 record, also going 13-3 in league play. The Lady Panthers reached the semifinals in her first season at the helm, with Owens, Henderson and Lawson earning conference honors with Henderson also being named the SWAC Freshman of the Year.
Prior to returning to her alma mater, Lindsay was the head coach of the East Central University Lady Tigers. In her three seasons at East Central, she set multiple new milestones after inheriting a program that had gone 2-29 the season prior to Lindsay’s arrival. Her first season at East Central in 2020 culminated in the program’s first postseason appearance since 2013. Under Lindsay’s tutelage in 2021, the Lady Tigers recorded their first winning season in program history and set program records for the most wins in a season (15) and the longest winning streak of nine matches. The 2022 season saw similar success for Lindsay’s Lady Tigers, as they tied the single season wins record of 15, with Lindsay being named the Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA) Coach of the Year.
Her additional coaching experience includes serving as the associate head coach at Seattle University (2018-20), head coach at Bethany College (2015-18) and assistant coach at Tiffin University (2012-14). At Bethany College, Lindsay also served as the Assistant Athletic Director and an adjunct professor in the School of Business and Athletics. While at Tiffin, she also was an advisor of the Student African American Sisterhood of Excellence.
Lindsay had a successful playing career as a member of the Prairie View A&M Lady Panthers from 2008-11. A three-time First Team All-SWAC selection, she recorded over 1,300 kills and 1,000 digs.
A Denver, Colo., native, Lindsay earned a bachelor’s degree in communications studies from Prairie View A&M University in 2011, a Master’s in Business Administration from Tiffin University in 2013 and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Sports Psychology from Prairie View A&M University.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT COACH LINDSAY Prairie View A&M Director of Athletics Anton Goff: “I am extremely excited for Coach Lindsay being named the new Head Volleyball Coach for the University of Memphis. They are getting a phenomenal coach, but an even better person. We will always be thankful for her contributions to Prairie View A&M University as a coach, a former student-athlete and an alum. I know she will continue to be successful with this transition.”
Prairie View A&M Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Women’s Administrator Alicia Pete: “Coach Lindsay is a truly remarkable individual both on and off the court. From being a student-athletes under my tenure as the head volleyball coach to now being a coach. Lindsay has made a positive impact at Prairie View A&M, and I’m sure she’ll being that same passion and dedication to her new role at the University of Memphis. It’s always exciting when someone so deserving gets the opportunity to continue their career at a new level.”
Ole Miss Volleyball Associate Head Coach Taylor Gregory: “Cheri is an exceptional coach and a proven winner. More importantly, Cheri is someone who invests in her athletes on and off the court. It shows in the growth that her programs have made, year after year. She is one of the most resilient and high-integrity people I know and will be an incredible role model and leader for the women in the program. Congratulations to Memphis on nailing it with this hire!”
Arizona Volleyball Head Coach Charita Stubbs: “I am excited for this next step in Cheri’s career. She is dedicated and a hard worker. Her knowledge of the game will shine brightly as she is prepared for this quest.”
