Tanika Hudgins, the oldest of the Hudgins siblings who have had such an impact on Rocky Mount athletics the last 10 years, has accepted a position as assistant coach with the North Carolina Wesleyan women's basketball program. Brother Terrell was a three-sport star for the Gryphons and went on to be named NCHSAA Male Athlete of the Year in 2005. The Elon University grad set many NCAA records as a receiver for the Phoenix. Sister Tia is currently a senior at RMHS and is following in her big sister's footsteps in volleyball and basketball.
A prep standout at RMHS in the early 2000s, Tanika brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and experience to the Battling Bishop sideline.
Hudgins' stellar prep career saw her garner All-Big East volleyball and basketball accolades, as well as recognition as Rocky Mount's Female Athlete of the Year in 2002. Additionally, she was named an All-Conference Track and Field performer and concluded her prep career by participating in the North Carolina Coaches' Association East/West All-Star girls basketball game .
Upon graduation, she took her talents to Mount Olive College and later transferred to Elizabeth City State University where she played volleyball and basketball. During her collegiate career, Hudgins was an All-CIAA performer in volleyball, while helping lead the ECSU women's basketball team to the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Most recently, Hudgins served as a physical education teacher and girls head basketball coach at Southampton High School in Courtland, Va., where she coached current Bishop standout Samantha Urquhart.
