After an outstanding first year as head coach, Adonis Stanley enters his second year at the helm of the program after being named the third track & field head coach at UNCP in 2011.

Stanley takes over the reins of a tradition-rich track & field program from his mentor, Larry Rodgers, who retired after 30 years at the helm of the Braves in June. Stanley, who has served UNCP as an assistant coach in each of the past two seasons, will begin his duties in the athletic department immediately. He will also serve as a lecturer in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department at UNC Pembroke.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the UNCP track and field program," Stanley said. "The program has had an outstanding reputation in college athletics and a rich tradition in track and field. I look foward to the challenge ahead to continue the successful legacy of this program."

Stanley was recently named Southeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association after mentoring a handful of sprinters to appearances at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships in each of the past two seasons. Making his second consecutive appearance in the NCAA postseason, senior Maurice Eubanks grabbed all-American accolades in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes in May – the first Brave to capture all-American laurels in a sprinting event since 1984.

His success in 2011 followed a 2010 campaign in which Eubanks and teammate Karlos Jordan qualified for the NCAA postseason in the 100m dash, while Stanley also mentored the 4x100-relay team to an appearance at the event as well.

A former track & field captain and sprinter at Methodist, Stanley competed in an array of events during his time at the Fayetteville institution, including the 100m, 200m and 400m dashes, as well as a leg on the school record-holding 4x200m relay squad. He earned All-Mason Dixon Conference laurels as a junior with a fifth-place finish in the 400m dash. He also competed in the 55m, 60m, 200m and 400m events during the indoor track & field season, while also running a leg on the 4x400m relay team.

A decorated soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves from 2002-10, Stanley served in Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom as an automotive logistics specialist. He received a handful of awards for his service to the United States, including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device. Prior to his stint as an assistant coach in Pembroke, Stanley served two successful stints as a personal trainer where he assisted clients in achieving maximum fitness levels while also advising on nutritional goals as well.

Stanley, a Charleston, S.C., native, earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science and physical education from Methodist in 2009 and completed his master's degree in physical education at UNC Pembroke in 2011. He currently resides in Pembroke.