UNC’s Kayla McPherson Left the Game. Now She’s Back – And Coaching Up Her Former Teammates
Today, McPherson is back in the gym with the Tar Heels, but in a different role. The 2025-26 UNC women’s basketball roster lists McPherson as a “student assistant,” a role Banghart created specifically for her. In essence, McPherson is an assistant coach-in-training, while also serving as a liaison between the staff and the players.
“She’s gonna be a great coach someday, here and anywhere else that she is,” said Banghart, who herself made the transition from star player to coach. “She’s providing incredible value. It’s just not in the way that either of us would’ve thought.”
Today, McPherson is back in the gym with the Tar Heels, but in a different role. The 2025-26 UNC women’s basketball roster lists McPherson as a “student assistant,” a role Banghart created specifically for her. In essence, McPherson is an assistant coach-in-training, while also serving as a liaison between the staff and the players.
“She’s gonna be a great coach someday, here and anywhere else that she is,” said Banghart, who herself made the transition from star player to coach. “She’s providing incredible value. It’s just not in the way that either of us would’ve thought.”
