Virginia Union University women’s basketball Coach AnnMarie Gilbert has been named HBCU Coach of the Year by HBCU Digest.

Coach Gilbert guided the Lady Panthers to a 28-3 overall record last season and to the team’s second straight CIAA Tournament title.

The Lady Panthers also have gone to the NCAA Tournament four straight years under Coach Gilbert.

In other VUU news, football Coach Alvin Parker has been elected president of the CIAA Football Coaches.

Coach Parker was voted into the position at the CIAA Media Day on July 17 in Salem.

Coach Parker’s Panthers are coming off an 8-2 season. The Panthers open Saturday, Sept. 7, at Hampton University. Kickoff: 6 p.m.