By: GSU Athletic Communications
GRAMBLING, La. | Mikayla Etienne joins the Grambling State women's basketball coaching staff after spending the 2025-26 season as assistant coach and director of player development at ULM under head coach Scotty Fletcher.
Etienne arrived at ULM after helping lead Pearl River Community College to one of the most successful seasons in program history.
During the 2024-25 season, Etienne helped lead the Wildcats to one of the most successful campaigns in school history.
Pearl River finished 25-3 overall, won the MACCC regular-season title, and recorded the fewest losses in program history.
Throughout her coaching career, she has played an integral role in player development, recruiting, and the day-to-day operations of successful programs.
"I am thrilled to welcome Coach Kay to our coaching staff," said Grambling State head coach
Courtney Simmons. "As a homegrown talent from Grambling, Louisiana, and a former SWAC student-athlete, she understands the culture and values that drive success. Her experience across every level of the game will be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes and program."
Before entering the coaching profession, Etienne enjoyed a standout collegiate playing career at Panola College, Southwest Mississippi Community College, Mississippi Valley State, and Nicholls.
She began her collegiate career at Panola College, averaging 6.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game during the 2018-19 season.
After missing the 2019-20 season due to injury, Etienne returned to earn NJCAA Division I All-America Honorable Mention honors at Southwest Mississippi Community College in 2020-21.
She averaged 14.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while earning First Team All-MACCC and All-Region 23 recognition.
Etienne continued her career at Mississippi Valley State, where she started 20 games during the 2021-22 season and averaged 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. She also served as an in-game commentator for Mississippi Valley State men's and women's basketball broadcasts during the 2022-23 season.
She concluded her playing career at Nicholls in 2023-24, averaging 8.6 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while earning finalist honors for Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year.
A Louisiana, native, Etienne starred at Ouachita Parish High School, where she earned First Team All-State, All-Parish, All-District, and Class 5A All-State Honorable Mention honors as a senior.
Etienne earned an associate degree in physical education from Southwest Mississippi Community College and a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Mississippi Valley State.
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