[07/17/01] Alcorn State assistant Nate Kilbert has been hired as head coach at Mississippi Valley State, his alma mater.

Kilbert, who had been an assistant at Alcorn for 10 years, was a star point guard at Valley 1982-86.

He will be the second coach in the history of the program. Jessie Harris resigned the post in May after 25 years.

Kilbert, a 38-year-old Sallis native, was a men’s student assistant at Valley 1986-87.

“My goal and vision for Mississippi Valley is to see Mississippi Valley not only just win basketball games, but to compete for conference championships,” Kilbert said.

The Delta Devilettes were 1-26 last season.

Kilbert will also be the head coach of the university’s volleyball team.

In his 10 years at Alcorn, the Lady Braves won six regular-season Southwestern athletic Conference championships and four tournament titles.