INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University Athletics has announced the hiring of Devonte R. Nesby as the new head coach for its Track & Field and Cross-Country programs.

Nesby brings more than seven years of experience coaching across NCAA Division I, Division III, and high school levels, with a strong track record of developing elite student-athletes in horizontal jumps, sprints, hurdles, and distance events. He joins the Yellow Jackets after serving as an assistant coach at Marshall University, where he coached multiple NCAA East Regional Qualifiers, produced All-Conference jumpers, and oversaw nationally ranked event groups.

"At all levels, Devonte has coached student athletes to exceptional performances, including conference champions and regional qualifiers," Hicks said. "I am excited to have Devonte join our staff, as we continue to plan and fundraise for our new track and field complex and build a championship-caliber program at WVSU."

At Marshall, Nesby guided athletes to school records in the men's long jump and supported one of the top women's long jump groups in the nation, which finished ranked 14th nationally. He also coached a conference champion and Cross Country Runner of the Year, while overseeing academic progress and compliance for the program.

Prior to his time with the Thundering Herd, Nesby served at Buena Vista University (NCAA Division III) in Iowa, where he developed sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers, producing multiple school top-five performances and All-Conference athletes. He also spent four years leading Vigor High School's program in Alabama, where his teams won back-to-back regional championships and produced 10 state medalists.

A former collegiate sprinter and jumper himself, Nesby competed at Alabama A&M University, where he was a two-time SWAC finalist. He earned his bachelor's degree in sport management from Alabama A&M in 2017 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Sport Administration from Marshall University.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as Head Coach at WVSU," Nesby said. "This is a place where I believe we can build something special, and I'm committed to giving our athletes the tools to succeed on the track, in the classroom, and in life. I look forward to growing this program and making the Yellow Jacket family proud."

Nesby is certified through SafeSport, CPR & First Aid, and holds an ALTIS coaching certificate in pole vault. He officially begins his role at WVSU on September 29th.

About WVSU
West Virginia State University is a founding member of the Mountain East Conference. Follow WVSU Athletics on Facebook (@wvsuathletics), Instagram (@wvsuathletics), and X (@wvsu_gojackets)