Pettigrew, Williams join Wolf Pack cross country, track and field coaching staff

NEW ORLEANS – The Loyola Wolf Pack cross country and track and field programs have two new coaches a part of their program, as head coach Geoff Masanet announced the addition of Crystal Pettigrew and Velecia Williams on Monday. Pettigrew joins the two programs as an assistant coach, and Williams comes to the Wolf Pack as a graduate assistant. 
 

"We are really lucky to have Crystal at Loyola," Masanet said. "She has infectious enthusiasm, strong professionalism and attention to detail, and has quickly established a great rapport with the team. I am excited to see what our sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers can accomplish under her leadership.
 

"Velecia came very highly recommended to us by several of the best coaches in the country. I cannot say enough good things about her. She brings to our team the resume of a national caliber long and triple jumper for Nebraska and Kansas State and the communication skills and personality to help our student-athletes strive for the same type of success she had."
 

Pettigrew joins the Wolf Pack after serving as an assistant track and field and cross country coach at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. During her time with the Golden Eagles, she helped develop training programs that led to school records and personal bests across multiple sprint and jump events. She also implemented a new strength and conditioning program that contributed to the school's first-ever female national qualifier.
 

A record-holding long jumper at Meridian Community College in 2015, Pettigrew brings experience as both a coach and athlete. She earned her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the University of Pikeville and a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Biology from the University of West Alabama. She is also a USATF Certified Level 1 Coach.
 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to join such a respected and ambitious program," Pettigrew said. "The commitment to excellence within the Wolf Pack is clear, and I'm highly motivated to get started and play a part in developing our talented student-athletes."
 

Williams, a native of Jamaica, comes to Loyola following a decorated collegiate career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Kansas State University, where she ranked in the all-time top 10 in both the long jump and triple jump. A two-time NCAA Division I All-American and Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award recipient, Williams also earned multiple Academic All-Big Ten and All-Academic honors from the USTFCCCA.
 

In addition to her achievements as a student-athlete, Williams gained valuable experience coaching at track camps and volunteering at collegiate meets and youth programs. She graduated from Nebraska with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and is eager to continue her career in collegiate athletics as part of the Wolf Pack coaching staff.
 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Wolf Pack community," Williams said. "Not only is it an opportunity, but it is also a challenge, one that I am excited to embrace. I'm eager to bring my passion and experience to contribute to the team's success, learn from seasoned coaches, and inspire our student-athletes to push their limits."
 

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