Nikkyana McCaskill enters her first season as head women’s basketball coach at Catawba Valley Community College for the 2025–26 season.

McCaskill previously spent five seasons as an assistant coach for the Red Hawks under former head coach Tisha England. During her tenure, she helped guide the program through several successful runs, including a 13-win performance during the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season that featured eight victories in Region 10 play. In her debut season on staff, the Red Hawks compiled an impressive 22–2 overall record, went a perfect 14–0 in Region 10 competition, captured their third regular-season conference championship, and earned a national top-10 ranking.

A former Red Hawk standout from 2016–18, McCaskill played a key role during one of the program’s most successful eras. As a student-athlete, she helped lead CVCC to a combined 47–14 overall record, including a 34–8 mark in conference play. In her sophomore season, the Red Hawks achieved a 26–6 record and a 20–2 Region 10 finish—one of the best in school history.

Over her two-year playing career, McCaskill appeared in 59 games (starting 39) and totaled 595 points (10.1 per game), 195 assists, 70 steals, 135 rebounds, and 183 field goals made. She ranks first in single-season three-point field goals attempted (129), second in both three-point field goals made (44) and free-throw percentage (78.0%), and remains among the program’s career leaders in free-throw percentage (77.7%, highest in program history), three-point field goals made (72, second-most), and three-point field goals attempted (216, third-most).

After graduating from CVCC, McCaskill continued her academic and athletic career at Fayetteville State University, where she helped the Broncos to a 21–8 overall record 2018-2019, a CIAA South Division Championship, and an appearance in the CIAA Championship game.

Beyond the court, McCaskill is deeply committed to education, leadership, and mental wellness. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fayetteville State University, a Master of Science in Sport Management from Western Carolina University, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Her coaching philosophy emphasizes holistic development—cultivating athletic excellence, academic success, emotional resilience, and faith-based leadership. McCaskill is passionate about mentoring young women to thrive both on and off the court.

A native of Gastonia North Carolina, McCaskill is the daughter of Pastor G.L. and Nichelle McCaskill and the sister of Nikkiayla, Nicholas, Nicolante, and Nickeal McCaskill.

Outside of basketball, she values time with her family and proudly embraces her role as “dog mom” to her two beloved fur blessings, Faith La’Nae and Love Serenity. A lifelong learner and mentor, McCaskill remains devoted to inspiring others through faith, leadership, and purpose on the court and beyond.