A New Chapter for Catamount Women's Basketball
Western Carolina University announced today that Kayla McPherson, a standout player and former student assistant at the University of North Carolina, will join the Catamount women's basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach. The move comes as the program continues to build momentum after a productive offseason.
During her playing years at UNC, McPherson averaged 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while earning McDonald's and Jordan Brand All‑American honors. She famously scored 64 points in a single game as a sophomore and posted a career‑high 22 points in a win over Boston College.
A Family Legacy Meets a New Era
McPherson's connection to the region runs deep; she is the daughter of former Western Kentucky players Katashia Witcher and Nashon McPherson. That familial link adds a personal dimension to her arrival, reinforcing a sense of continuity and community pride.
Beyond the court, McPherson has been active in youth outreach, serving as a counselor at basketball camps and as an ambassador for Dribble for Victory over Cancer. Her experience with organizations such as Gigi's Playhouse and the Check Me Out Basketball Showcase underscores a commitment to using the sport as a vehicle for social impact.
The Catamounts' coaching staff is also expanding its roster of talent, welcoming a recruiting class of four freshmen and two transfers to complement six returning players this winter. McPherson's addition is expected to enrich the team's tactical depth and reinforce its community‑focused ethos.