One of the worst kept secrets of the off season has finally been made official. Andre Payne has been named as the head coach at Mississippi Valley State. We first reported this back in May – here’s the official release:
Mississippi Valley State University officially announced Andre Payne as its new head basketball coach during a press conference Friday, July 11 at the Science and Technology Center on the MVSU campus.
Payne arrives at MVSU after an eight-year stint as head coach and associate athletic director at Wiley College in Texas where he led the Wildcats to two Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Tournament titles (2007 and 2014). In 2007 during his first season at the helm, Wiley College qualified for the NAIA Tournament for the first time in 37 years. The Wildcats made another appearance in the NAIA Tournament in 2014.
Payne had an overall record of 146-104 at Wiley College, including a 25-7 (13-5 RRAC) record last season. He led the Wildcats to at least 19 wins four times including a 21-10 mark in 2006-07 and 22-10 record in 2007-08.
Overall, Payne boasts a career record of 239-183, ranking him 24th in career wins amongst active NAIA coaches.
"I’d like to thank MVSU President William Bynum and Athletic Director Dianthia Ford-Kee for giving me this opportunity," said Payne. "I’d also like to thank my wife and kids who have been with me through all the years….This is a true blessing for me and my family. I’m honored and humble for the trust that has been bestowed upon me."
Prior to his time at Wiley, he worked as the head coach at Texas College where in 2001 he became the youngest head coach at a four-year institution. Payne previously served as an assistant coach at Texas College since 1999. While at Texas College, he led the school to seven RRAC Tournament appearances.
Payne takes over a MVSU men’s basketball program with a rich history consisting of five NCAA Tournament appearances. The Delta Devils last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2012 under former head coach Sean Woods.
"Mississippi Valley State has a rich tradition in men’s basketball, and we’re going to do everything in our power to keep that tradition up," said Payne.
During the press conference, he also spoke on his expectations for MVSU players.
"My plan is simple: recruit student-athletes who want to be here. Recruit student-athletes who want to call this place home, that’s what I plan to do," Payne said. "We want guys who are committed to their education. We want guys who are committed to being superb athletes. And we want guys who are committed to having a great social life on campus, too."
Payne graduated from Auburn High School in 1993 before attending Alabama A&M where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology. He later earned a master’s degree from New Mexico Highlands University in Human Performance and Sports. Payne is married to Nikki Payne and they have two sons.
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