Betty Kelly Austin
Class of 2007
Betty Austin’s career at Alabama A&M University transformed women’s athletics and established one of the most successful volleyball programs in collegiate sports.
A graduate of Buckhorn High School, Austin attended Alabama A&M University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1973. She later completed a master’s degree at the University of Michigan in 1975.
Austin returned to Alabama A&M in 1977 and quickly became a pioneer in the development of women’s athletics at the university. She was appointed the school’s first coordinator of women’s sports and immediately began building programs from the ground up.
Austin launched both the volleyball and women’s basketball programs, serving as head coach for each during their early years. After four seasons she chose to focus entirely on volleyball, a decision that helped establish one of the most successful dynasties in historically Black college athletics.
Under Austin’s leadership, Alabama A&M captured 11 consecutive Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and compiled a remarkable 284-86 record during that era.
When the university transitioned to NCAA Division I competition and joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Austin’s teams continued their winning tradition.
Between 2000 and 2005, Alabama A&M won six consecutive SWAC championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament six times. Austin retired from coaching in 2006 with 604 career victories, ranking her among the winningest coaches in Division I volleyball history.
Her influence extended beyond coaching. In 2007 Austin was named athletic director at Alabama A&M, becoming one of the first Black women to hold that position at a Division I institution.
Austin’s career has been defined by pioneering leadership, competitive excellence and an unwavering commitment to the success of student-athletes.
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