Fayetteville State University Athletics

Fayetteville State University welcomes the return of Vionté Pigford to the Broncos Track & Field coaching staff, where he resumes his role as Assistant Coach for Throws. Pigford previously served on staff from 2017–19, contributing to the development of both indoor and outdoor throwers. 

Pigford brings nearly a decade of NCAA Division II and III coaching experience, with stops at North Carolina Wesleyan University (2024–25), Methodist University (2015–16, 2023–24), and Winston-Salem State University (2019–21). Across his career, he has coached men’s and women’s throwers in the shot put, discus, hammer, and weight throw, emphasizing technique, strength development, and consistent competitive improvement. 

Coaching Experience

• Assistant Coach – North Carolina Wesleyan University (2024–25)
• Assistant Coach – Methodist University (2015–16, 2023–24)
• Assistant Coach – Winston-Salem State University (2019–21)
• Assistant Coach – Fayetteville State University (2017–19; returning in 2026)

Pigford also serves as a USA Track & Field volunteer throws coach, a role he has held since 2016. 

Competitive Background – Methodist University

Pigford competed as a multi-event thrower for Methodist University, earning multiple All-Conference honors during his career.

Indoor Achievements

• Competed in the shot put and weight throw
• All-Conference honors in the weight throw (2011)
• Competed at the CNU Holiday Indoor Meet (2011–12)

Outdoor Achievements

• Competed in the shot put, discus, and hammer
• All-Conference honors in the hammer throw, placing fourth (2011)

Personal Records

Indoor

• Shot Put: 10.10m (2012)
• Weight Throw: 12.03m (2011)

Outdoor

• Shot Put: 10.76m (2011)
• Discus: 30.71m (2011)
• Hammer: 36.03m (2011)

Pigford earned four All-Conference honors across his indoor and outdoor seasons. 

Education

• Master of Computer Applications (MCA) – University of Maryland Global Campus
• Graduate Certificate in Cyber Forensics – UMGC
• Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies / Cybercrimes – Methodist University (2013)
• Professional Electrician Certificate – Ashworth College (2018–20)

Professional & Military Background

In addition to coaching, Pigford has a strong professional foundation in information technology and military communications.

• Advanced Customer Engineer – Hitachi Vantara (2022–23)
• IT Field Engineer – Maintech, Inc. (2021–22)
• Communications Specialist – U.S. Army Cyber Command, 25Q MOS (2014–17)
   

He also completed Department of Corrections training and served as a Detention Officer for Cumberland County. His civic work includes a two-year internship with the Town of Spring Lake, serving both the Mayor’s Office and the Spring Lake Police Department. 

Personal

A native of Stuttgart, Germany, Pigford later settled in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he graduated from Jack Britt High School.