Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletic Communications


NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State athletics department announced on Monday that longtime assistant Aundray Darden will lead the bowling program as head coach. He previously served for 15 seasons as an assistant coach with the Spartans, beginning in 2005.
 
"I am thrilled to introduce Coach Darden as the new leader of Spartan bowling," Director of Athletics Melody Webb said. "His knowledge and experience building up the Norfolk State program during his time as an assistant coach will be extremely valuable. Coach Darden knows how to create a winning culture. The future of NSU bowling is bright."
 
"I would like to extend my most sincere thank you to Ms. Alisha Tucker and Ms. Melody Webb for honoring me with this extraordinary opportunity," Darden said. "I am certain that by keeping God first and incorporating a superior work ethic in everything we do, our desired success will be achieved. I truly understand the responsibility of being a Spartan. I understand the rich history and tradition of academic and athletics success. We will endeavor each day to exemplify Spartan pride in everything we do as individuals and as a team."
 
Darden served as an assistant coach under former head coach Wilhelmenia Harrison for 14 seasons from 2005-19. Following Harrison's retirement in 2020, he also spent the 2020-21 COVID-shortened season as associate head coach under interim head coach Thea Aspiras.
 
The program reached new heights during Darden's 14 seasons as an assistant coach. He helped lead its ascension that culminated in the 2012 conference title and four straight MEAC Southern Division titles from 2011-14. The Spartans reached as high as No. 10 in the national rankings and were a consistent top 20 team for several years. NSU won 72 percent of its conference games during an eight-year stretch from 2010-18 during the program's pinnacle.
 
He coached 16 All-MEAC players and a pair of MEAC Rookies of the Year during his 15 previous seasons with the Spartans. Aspiras became a two-time NTCA All-American under his tutelage. The Spartan program advanced to the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championship in 2013, its first ever national tournament appearance, and had nine straight winning seasons from 2009-18.
 
Norfolk State finished 4-12 in 2020-21 after missing several tournaments due to COVID-19 protocols.