University of Memphis Athletics
Prater Announces Vanzant-Cheek as Assistant Coach
Jun 27, 2026 | Softball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis softball head coach Trena Prater announced on Saturday that Sierra Vanzant-Cheek will join the staff as an assistant coach.
"I am thrilled to add Coach Vanzant-Cheek to my coaching staff," said Prater. "Her energy and passion to teach and compete is what our bullpen needs. She has proven over the years that she can develop elite pitchers. I am excited to see how her love for the game will influence and transform our pitching staff."
Vanzant-Cheek most recently spent four seasons at Queens (N.C.) as an assistant coach from 2023-25 before being named the program's associate head coach for the 2026 season. During her four seasons leading the pitching staff, Royals pitchers averaged 242 strikeouts per season, highlighted by 344 strikeouts and a 2.82 team ERA in 2024.
"I am grateful to Coach Prater for believing in me and in what I bring to this game," Vanzant-Cheek said. "I am incredibly excited to begin this next chapter with Memphis softball. We have a staff filled with passion, energy and a shared vision, and I cannot wait to get to work alongside them. We also have a group of talented and excited players who are eager to learn, grow and compete, and I can't wait to pour into them every day."
In 2026, Vanzant-Cheek played a key role in the development of freshman pitcher Addison Kluck as Kluck struck out 111 batters over 156 innings in her first collegiate season.
The previous season in 2025, Vanzant-Cheek helped in the development of then freshman two-way Taylor Jones, who tossed a complete game in Queens' top win of the season over Maryland and eventually transferred to Charlotte and led the 49ers in innings pitched (123) in 2026.
The strongest season in the circle for Vanzant-Cheek's Royals came in 2024, where she played a key role in Autumn Courtney's breakout season. She guided the sophomore to a 21-11 record with a 1.58 ERA and 257 strikeouts, one of the highest marks at the Division I level. Courtney had also shined under Vanzant-Cheek's tutelage as a true freshman, picking up 15 wins and striking out 191 batters. Courtney later went on to transfer to Florida Atlantic, where she was a two-time American Conference First Team selection, 2025 American Conference Pitcher of the Year and a Third Team All-American.
Prior to her tenure at Queens, Vanzant-Cheek filled multiple roles as an assistant coach at Belmont Abbey College from 2018-23. While working with pitchers, catchers and infielders, Vanzant-Cheek cut the team's walk total in half and had a constant increase in strikeouts. She produced multiple all-tournament pitchers and had staffs that set program single-season records in team ERA and strikeouts.
Additionally, Vanzant-Cheek spent time from 2016-18 as an assistant coach at Wesleyan Christian Academy and as a travel coach with the Lady Blues organization from 2015-18.
Vanzant-Cheek, a native of Lexington, North Carolina, holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science, health and wellness and athletic coaching from High Point University and was also a catcher at the University of Mount Olive in 2014 before beginning her coaching career.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
"I am thrilled to add Coach Vanzant-Cheek to my coaching staff," said Prater. "Her energy and passion to teach and compete is what our bullpen needs. She has proven over the years that she can develop elite pitchers. I am excited to see how her love for the game will influence and transform our pitching staff."
Vanzant-Cheek most recently spent four seasons at Queens (N.C.) as an assistant coach from 2023-25 before being named the program's associate head coach for the 2026 season. During her four seasons leading the pitching staff, Royals pitchers averaged 242 strikeouts per season, highlighted by 344 strikeouts and a 2.82 team ERA in 2024.
"I am grateful to Coach Prater for believing in me and in what I bring to this game," Vanzant-Cheek said. "I am incredibly excited to begin this next chapter with Memphis softball. We have a staff filled with passion, energy and a shared vision, and I cannot wait to get to work alongside them. We also have a group of talented and excited players who are eager to learn, grow and compete, and I can't wait to pour into them every day."
In 2026, Vanzant-Cheek played a key role in the development of freshman pitcher Addison Kluck as Kluck struck out 111 batters over 156 innings in her first collegiate season.
The previous season in 2025, Vanzant-Cheek helped in the development of then freshman two-way Taylor Jones, who tossed a complete game in Queens' top win of the season over Maryland and eventually transferred to Charlotte and led the 49ers in innings pitched (123) in 2026.
The strongest season in the circle for Vanzant-Cheek's Royals came in 2024, where she played a key role in Autumn Courtney's breakout season. She guided the sophomore to a 21-11 record with a 1.58 ERA and 257 strikeouts, one of the highest marks at the Division I level. Courtney had also shined under Vanzant-Cheek's tutelage as a true freshman, picking up 15 wins and striking out 191 batters. Courtney later went on to transfer to Florida Atlantic, where she was a two-time American Conference First Team selection, 2025 American Conference Pitcher of the Year and a Third Team All-American.
Prior to her tenure at Queens, Vanzant-Cheek filled multiple roles as an assistant coach at Belmont Abbey College from 2018-23. While working with pitchers, catchers and infielders, Vanzant-Cheek cut the team's walk total in half and had a constant increase in strikeouts. She produced multiple all-tournament pitchers and had staffs that set program single-season records in team ERA and strikeouts.
Additionally, Vanzant-Cheek spent time from 2016-18 as an assistant coach at Wesleyan Christian Academy and as a travel coach with the Lady Blues organization from 2015-18.
Vanzant-Cheek, a native of Lexington, North Carolina, holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science, health and wellness and athletic coaching from High Point University and was also a catcher at the University of Mount Olive in 2014 before beginning her coaching career.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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