Brittany Harris, the new head coach for the Centenary women's gymnastics team, recently took over for former head coach Jackie Fain. Harris comes to Centenary from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. where she spent the last three seasons as the first assistant coach. Lindenwood, a Division II school, is a member of the Midwest Independent Conference (MIC) with Centenary. Harris is only the fourth female African American head coach in NCAA gymnastics and is believed to be the first in DIII. Harris was named the Women's Collegiate Coaches Association (WCGA) Division II Regional assistant coach of the year in both 2019 and 2021, along with several other coaching accolades. She is the daughter of former NBA basketball player, Steve Harris, and Harriet Harris. 

Harris was a top junior Olympic athlete, finishing fourth in the all-around and tied for third on the uneven bars at the J.O. National Championships in 2010, earning a spot on the National Team. Harris received the Shannon Miller Award in 2010, given annually to the top gymnast in the state of Oklahoma. She then participated in collegiate sports and had a full-ride scholarship to Oregon State University. During her time as a student, she competed in the all-around her entire collegiate career and assisted her team in winning the PAC-10 and PAC-12 championship titles. She also qualified for the NCAA national championship twice with her team and once as an individual in the all-around. “Since I began gymnastics at age two, I have been involved in the sport for 27 years. As an athlete, I loved gymnastics, and as a coach, I love it even more,” said Harris. 

“As soon as I stepped on campus, I immediately felt like I was home. Everyone that I interacted with was so warm, open, and friendly, and I could tell that there was a real feeling of family here that I wanted to be a part of. The faculty and staff were amazing, and I knew I wanted to come here and make a difference,” said Harris.   “Working with the Centenary students and athletes has been an incredible experience so far! I look forward to seeing them every day and assisting them to be the best versions of themselves while on campus and throughout the Shreveport community. I cannot wait to see what great things the future holds! Through the sport of gymnastics, I want to be able to give them the best collegiate experience possible and leave them with amazing memories that will last forever.”