Crichton College - Comets Athletics

Coaching Staff

Head Coach

Patricia Francis - Head Coach
Office Phone - (901) 320-9742
Cell Phone - (901) 679-0124
Email - pfrancis@crichton.edu

Coach Francis joined the Crichton College athletic staff in January 2007, as head coach for the Crichton volleyball program. During her inaugural season with the Lady Comets, she coached her predominately freshman team to a (0-29) overall record. Coach Francis is excited about the 2008 season and is relying on her new and returning players for on and off the court leadership. Her experience as a collegiate coach and athlete has been beneficial in building a strong foundation for the Lady Comets program.Coach Francis comes to Crichton after serving as an assistant volleyball coach at Mississippi Valley State University from 2003 to 2005. Francis also played basketball and volleyball for MVSU after transfering from Capital Community Technical College. While at CCTC, Francis played for the inaugural womens basketball team. After struggling in their first season, they were able to finish second in their region in Francis' second season. She helped lead the Lady Comets by averaging 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks a game during her two year stay. Francis attended Thomas Snell Weaver High School in Hartford, Connecticut, where she graduated in the top 25% of her class of 400 students. Before moving to the United States, Francis lived in Clarendon, Jamaica with her mother and five brothers until she was 12 years old. Francis now lives in Memphis, TN.

Career Record

Collegiate (0-29)
2007-2008 Crichton College (0-29)
2008-2009 Crichton College

Assistant Coach

DeAra Burks
Office Phone- (901) 320-9742

Coach DaAra Burks a native to Memphis, TN, graduated from George Washington Carver High School. Burks started playing volleyball in the 8th grade and has been playing ever since. During her tenure at George Washington Carver she lettered in volleball, basketball,softball, and track for with Lady Cobras. After graduating from GWC, Burks attended Rust College in Holly Springs, MS, where she played volleyball and softball for the Lady Bearcats. After playing two seasons with the Lady Bearcats, Burks came back to Memphis to play for the Lady Magicians of LeMoyne-Owen College. Burks played both volleyball and softball with the Lady Magicians. Burks is excited about the opportunity to help coach the Lady Comets and believes she can bring a lot to the coaching staff . Her philosophy in Life and for the Lady Comets in 2008 season is "You've had the experience but don't forget the lesson."