Cayla Petree

Cayla Petree was named Associate Head Coach of the University of North Alabama women’s basketball program on May 12, 2025, by head coach Candi Whitaker. A nationally recognized coach with nearly two decades of experience, Petree brings an extensive and accomplished résumé at both the Division I and junior college levels. Most recently, she served as head coach at Morehead State from 2021–24, where she orchestrated significant program growth. During her tenure, the Eagles recorded one of the nation’s top win-percentage improvements in 2022–23, achieved a 10-win turnaround, and earned their first Ohio Valley Conference Tournament victory in five years. She also oversaw dramatic statistical improvements in rebounding, scoring, assists, and NET ranking while coaching multiple all-conference performers and conference award winners. Prior to Morehead State, Petree built a national powerhouse at South Plains College, compiling a 127–36 record over three seasons, setting a school record with 32 wins in a single season, and guiding the program to three national tournament appearances. Her success earned her 2020 National Coach of the Year honors from the WBCA, NJCAA, and Hoop Dirt. Petree also held head coaching roles at Gulf Coast State, Angelo State, and Cisco Junior College, along with an assistant coaching stint at North Texas. As a player, she was an All-American at Cisco before finishing her career at Texas Tech, where she helped the Red Raiders reach the Elite Eight. Petree holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech.