Florida A&M volleyball is back and off to a hot start, along some familiar faces.
Florida A&M University’s volleyball team recently welcomed two former players, Dominique Washington and Kaitlyn Scroggins, to the staff as assistant coaches.
Washington, a former standout outside hitter, transferred to FAMU from Georgia Tech as a graduate student for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Following her graduation, Washington gained coaching experience by working with young athletes at the club level and receiving professional mentorship.
However, when the assistant coaching position opened at FAMU, she knew it was the right fit.
“I think coaching at this level is more enjoyable for me,” Washington said. “At this level, you know what you need to do — it’s just about fine-tuning the details. I love it; it’s been fun.”
Head coach Gokhan Yilmaz was excited to bring Washington back to FAMU.
“It’s great to bring back a former student-athlete, especially someone with Dominique’s accomplishments,” Yilmaz said.
During her two seasons at FAMU, Washington earned two consecutive SWAC Player of the Year titles and was recognized as an American Volleyball Coaches Association(AVCA) All-American Honorable Mention.
She was named SWAC Tournament MVP both years, leading the Rattlers to back-to-back SWAC championships.
Washington’s legacy solidifies her as one of the most accomplished volleyball players in school history. She is ranked eighth in all-time kills.
In addition to Washington, Scroggins, a graduate transfer from Texas Southern University, is no stranger to the Rattler program, having played for FAMU last season. Like Washington, Scroggins says she is enjoying her new role.
“The transition has been great,” Scroggins said. “I’ve always known I had a passion for coaching, so being able to do that in an environment where I’m familiar with the coaches and players is really good.”
Yilmaz says he is happy to add Kaitlyn to the staff, nothing that she is knowledgeable and a hard worker.
As a student-athlete, Scroggins played in 31 matches, ranking fifth on the team with 127 digs. She also excelled as one of the team’s top servers, finishing second on the squad with 26 aces. Washington and Scroggins agree that their familiarity with the team has helped them build strong relationships with the players.
“There are no weird power dynamics,” Scroggins said. “We know these girls and helping them through college life is the biggest part.”
Together, Washington and Scroggins aim to help guide the Rattlers through the 2024 season while mentoring them inbalancing academics and athletics as they strive to win another SWAC championship.