The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Track & Field / Cross Country
- Title:
- Director of Operations
Texas Track & Field Head Coach Edrick Floréal announced the addition of Kayla Parker to his coaching staff on Tuesday. McQueen, who will serve as the Director of Operations, comes to the Forty Acres after serving in a similar role at Kentucky under Floréal.
"I'm thrilled to have Kayla join our staff here at Texas," Floréal said. "She is a relentless worker who keeps our entire cross country and track and field programs running smoothly and efficiently. She is organized and pays attention to every detail. She will be a critical part of our success here at Texas."
Parker comes to the Forty Acres after serving on Floréal's Kentucky staff for the last four seasons. She joined the Kentucky staff in 2014 after an All-America and All-SEC career in the short hurdles where she was coached by Floréal. She was promoted to a full-time employee in the summer of 2015. At UT, she will oversee the program's day-to-day logistics and play an integral role in coordinating team travel.
"I'm so excited to be joining Texas and the amazing Longhorn tradition," Parker said. "I have to start by thanking the University of Kentucky, and Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart, for the opportunities to pursue my education, compete as a student-athlete and then start my career working at my alma mater. I want to thank Coach Floréal for this great opportunity here at The University of Texas. Under Coach Floréal's guidance, I have been able to experience great success both on and off the track. We've been on an incredible journey and I am honored to continue it here at Texas. I can't wait to get started."
As a student-athlete at UK from 2011-14, Parker was twice a second-team All-American in the 100m hurdles (2013, 2014). She finished her career with an SEC Silver medal (2014 4x100 Relay) and an SEC Bronze medal (2014 60H). After being named Florida Gatorade Player of the Year in High School, Parker qualified for NCAA Prelims three times and NCAA Championships twice in her career for the Wildcats. Parker is a graduate of Kentucky.
