Gerlich adds Mitchell Vanya as Video Coordinator

LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech Lady Raider head coach Krista Gerlich has added former Houston Rockets (NBA) head video coordinator and assistant coach Mitchell Vayna as the Lady Raiders video coordinator, coach Gerlich announced Wednesday afternoon.

Vayna heads to Lubbock after spending the 2021-22 as an assistant coach at Trevecca Nazarene in Tennessee.

Prior to arriving in Tennessee, the Texas A&M graduate served as an assistant coach at Stephen F. Austin for a pair of seasons.

Vayna was on staff at SFA as an assistant when the men’s basketball program pulled off an upset of No. 11 Duke at Cameroon Indoor Stadium on Nov. 26, 2019. While at SFA, Vayna helped lead the Lumberjacks to a 44-8 overall record and a Southland Conference Championship.

Vayna arrived at SFA after spending three years as an assistant coach with the Rockets. He assumed the role after being promoted from his position as head video coordinator.

In total, the Rockets made the NBA Playoffs in six of Vayna’s seven seasons, made a pair of trips to the Western Conference Finals and recorded the most wins in a three-year span (2016-19) in franchise history.

Vayna began his career as the head men’s student manager at Texas A&M and assisted with the Aggies video department and equipment staff. While at A&M, the Aggies made four NCAA Tournament appearances.

The Texan is a two-time A&M graduate, earning his bachelors in sports management in 2008 and his masters in higher education administration in 2011.

VAYNA FILE:

Trevecca Nazarene University (2021-22): Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach
Stephen F. Austin University (2019-21): Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach
Houston Rockets (2014-19): Head Video Coordinator (2014-17); Assistant Coach/Special Assistant: Coaching & Advance Operations (2017-19)
Texas A&M: Men’s Basketball Head Video Coordinator (2013-14); Men’s Basketball Graduate Assistant/Head Manager (2007-11)

Education: Texas A&M University – BS Sports Management (2009); MS Higher Education Administration (2011)



COACH SPEAKS (HC KRISTA GERLICH):
“We are very fortunate to add someone of Mitch’s caliber to our staff. He has extensive experience at the highest level, and will add a great deal of value and input in our scouting and video needs. I’m so excited to welcome another high -quality family to our Lady Raider program.”