General | 10/8/2026 10:52:00 PM

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University Athletics is proud to announce the K-Club Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing six outstanding former student-athletes and coaches whose achievements, leadership and dedication have left a lasting mark on the university's rich athletic history.
 
The 2026 class features Billy Ray Bates (men's basketball), Zachary Carr (football), Christina Coleman (volleyball), Tia Juana Gill (volleyball, basketball and softball), Jamaree Gordon (football and track and field) and Charles Highbaugh (football).
 
Representing multiple generations of Kentucky State athletic excellence, this year's inductees have distinguished themselves through conference championships, All-America honors, record-setting performances and service to their communities.
 
Billy Ray Bates — Men's Basketball
One of the most electrifying players in Kentucky State basketball history, Billy Ray Bates starred for the Thorobreds from 1974-78, establishing himself as a dominant scorer and rebounder.
 
A native of Kosciusko, Mississippi, Bates helped guide Kentucky State to four consecutive NAIA playoff appearances, including a trip to the national semifinals. Known for his remarkable athleticism and powerful dunks, the 6-foot-4 guard became one of the most exciting players in the country.
 
Bates earned NAIA All-America honors in 1977 and 1978 and was named Kentucky State's team MVP both seasons. During his junior campaign, he averaged 22.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game before following with 22.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest as a senior.
 
He concluded his collegiate career with 1,723 points and 779 rebounds.
 
Selected by the Houston Rockets in the third round of the 1978 NBA draft, Bates went on to play professionally with the Portland Trail Blazers and other NBA organizations. He became a fan favorite in Portland, averaging 25 points per game during the 1980 playoffs and 28.3 points during the 1981 postseason.
 
Bates later built an international basketball legacy, particularly in the Philippines, where his spectacular dunks earned him the nickname "Black Superman." His scoring average of 46.2 points per game over four seasons remains a remarkable part of his professional career.
 
Zachary Carr — Football
Zachary Carr made his mark as a powerful offensive lineman whose determination and leadership helped strengthen the Thorobreds' football program.
 
A Detroit native, Carr returned to Kentucky State in 2007 following a successful junior college career that included All-America recognition. Playing under head coach Fred Farrier, he became a key contributor along the offensive line, helping create opportunities for two Kentucky State running backs to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in the same season.
 
Carr earned All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors in 2007 and 2008 and received the team's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award in 2007. His leadership was recognized in 2008 when teammates and coaches unanimously selected him as team captain.
 
Beyond the field, Carr continued his commitment to education and mentorship. He earned degrees from Kentucky State, including a master's degree in special education in 2020.
 
Carr has served as an educator, administrator and football coach in Detroit, helping guide young student-athletes toward college opportunities. He also remains active in the Kentucky State alumni community as vice president of the university's Detroit Alumni Chapter.
 
Christina Coleman — Volleyball
A championship-winning coach and former Kentucky State student-athlete, Christina Coleman helped elevate the Thorobreds volleyball program to new heights.
 
Coleman competed in volleyball and track and field at Kentucky State from 2001-04. During her playing career, she helped the Thorobreds earn three consecutive runner-up finishes in the SIAC Championship Tournament. She also served as a team captain and earned team MVP recognition.
 
Returning to lead the volleyball program in 2012, Coleman guided Kentucky State to SIAC championships in 2013, 2015 and 2016, along with four SIAC Western Division titles.
 
Her 2013 squad earned a berth in the NCAA Division II Regional, highlighting the program's success on the national stage.
 
Coleman was named SIAC Coach of the Year in 2015 and earned SIAC Tournament Coach of the Year honors in 2013 and 2015. Under her leadership, numerous Thorobreds received all-conference recognition, including standout Emily Grieshaber, who earned consecutive SIAC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year awards.
 
Coleman's influence extended beyond competition. During the 2012-13 academic year, her volleyball team recorded the highest grade-point average among Kentucky State athletic programs.
 
Tia Juana Gill — Volleyball, Basketball and Softball
Tia Juana Gill established herself as one of the most versatile student-athletes in Kentucky State history, earning eight varsity letters across three sports.
 
A native of Gary, Indiana, Gill arrived at Kentucky State as a volleyball walk-on in 1982 before developing into one of the program's leading players.
 
She helped guide Kentucky State to an NAIA District 32 championship during her freshman season and earned all-tournament recognition. Gill later helped the Thorobreds capture the 1985 Western Kentucky University Invitational championship, earning tournament MVP honors.
 
A four-year volleyball letterwinner, Gill received first-team All-Kentucky Women's Intercollegiate Conference recognition in three consecutive seasons and was named the team's MVP in 1985.
 
Gill also played three seasons of basketball and one season of softball, demonstrating the versatility and commitment that defined her collegiate athletic career.
 
Following her time at Kentucky State, Gill served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a technical sergeant. She continued competing in athletics during her military service, earning recognition on military all-star teams while also coaching and officiating youth sports.
 
Her accomplishments reflect a lifetime of athletic excellence, service and leadership.
 
Jamaree Gordon — Football and Track and Field
A gifted two-sport athlete, Jamaree Gordon combined elite speed with outstanding football ability to become one of Kentucky State's most accomplished competitors.
 
The Atlanta native established three indoor school records in track and field, including a 6.78-second performance in the 60-meter dash, a 21.30-second time in the 200 meters and a 6.31-second mark in the 55 meters.
 
At the 2010 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships, Gordon earned two All-America honors with fourth-place finishes in both the 60 and 200 meters.
 
His performances earned him recognition as the 2010 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association South Region Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.
 
Gordon also excelled outdoors, earning multiple NCAA Division II championship qualifications and five All-SIAC honors during his career.
 
On the football field, Gordon was a dynamic return specialist and wide receiver. He ranked nationally as a returner on three occasions and earned first-team All-SIAC recognition.
 
He finished his Kentucky State football career with 110 receptions, 1,907 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, ranking among the program's career leaders in all three categories.
 
Gordon earned Kentucky State's Offensive MVP honors in 2009 and 2010 and later received an invitation to the Atlanta Falcons' training camp.
 
Charles Highbaugh — Football
Charles Highbaugh developed into one of Kentucky State's most formidable defensive linemen after arriving in Frankfort as a walk-on.
 
A native of Detroit, Highbaugh competed as a nose tackle and defensive lineman under head coach William Head, using his strength and physical presence to anchor the Thorobreds' defense.
 
The 6-foot-2, 305-pound defender consistently ranked among the team's leaders in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and fumble recoveries.
 
As a sophomore, Highbaugh recorded 52 solo tackles, 29 assisted tackles and 11 sacks. His senior season was even more impressive, as he totaled 68 solo tackles, 58 assisted tackles and 14 sacks.
 
Highbaugh earned four varsity letters and was named the team's MVP in 1985, 1987 and 1988. He also earned Most Valuable Defensive Lineman honors three times and served as a team captain during those seasons.
 
Following his graduation from Kentucky State in 1989, Highbaugh devoted 27 years to public service at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center before retiring in 2018.
 
Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence
The Kentucky State University K-Club Hall of Fame celebrates individuals whose athletic accomplishments and contributions have helped shape the proud tradition of Thorobred athletics.
 
The Class of 2026 reflects that tradition through championship performances, athletic achievement, educational leadership, military service and continued support of Kentucky State University.
 
From the basketball court and volleyball floor to the football field and track, these six inductees represent the competitive spirit, perseverance and commitment to excellence that define Kentucky State Athletics.
 
Follow KSU Sports   
For complete coverage of Kentucky State Athletics, follow the Thorobreds on social media @KYSUAthletics (X), @ksuthletics (Instagram), Kentucky State Athletics (Facebook) or visit the official home of Kentucky State Athletics at ksuthorobreds.com.