Lanitra "Nitra" Perry joined the FMU family as Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations / Senior Woman Leader (SWL) in Summer 2026.
Perry was selected as assistant coach for the inaugural season of the Unrivaled League in 2024. She coached for Mist BC from January 2024 to March 2025, where she trained WNBA players like Breanna Stewart, Jewell Loyd, and Courtney Vandersloot. In addition, she served as a trainer for the Lilly Women's College All-Star Combine during the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Tampa, Florida. From December 2025 to March 2026, Perry served as assistant coach for Vinyl BC, where she trained WNBA players like Rhyne Howard, Dearica Hamby, and Rae Burrell.
Perry joined Louisiana Tech as associate head coach (2022-2024). She played a major role in the team, where she oversaw perimeter & post player oversight & development, served as defensive coordinator, as was instrumental as a liaison and scouting and recruitment.
Perry was assistant coach/interim head coach at West Virginia University (2020-2022). During her stint, she lead the Mountaineers to a 22-7 mark in her first season that included a Big XII Tournament title game appearance and a spot in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. Perry worked closely alongside multiple Big XII honorees, including the WNBA's fourth overall selection and All-American, Kysre Gondrezick. She was one of 30 coaches selected to the 2020 WBCA Next Up Leadership Training.
Before her time at West Virginia, Perry served as associate head coach at the University of Toledo (2008-2012, 2018-2020). She led the team to a 131-69 overall record and 68-32 conference record in the Mid-American Conference. The team posted four 20-win seasons during her tenure, winning three MAC West Division titles and earning four Postseason WNIT berths.
Perry served as assistant coach for the University of Memphis (2016-2018). She mentored and directly trained two-time All-American Athletic Conference Player, Cheyenne Creighton. She was also directly responsible for signing two of four (2018-2019) 60th ranked recruiting class.
Perry served as head coach for Kennesaw State University (2012-2016). She guided Kennesaw State to its most successful Division I season in history. She led the team to a 17-13 overall record during the 2014-15 season, placing fourth in the conference standings. Perry also coached her first postseason award recipient, with Jasmine McAllister earning A-Sun Newcomer of the Year honors.
Perry played for Birmingham Power (NWBL) (2003-2004). She was named to American All Stars squad for inaugural NWBL All-Star game (2004) and led the league in average rebounds (13.0) for 2003 NWBL Pro Cup Playoffs. From 2002-2003, Perry played for Rio Major, where she was named team captain. She led the team in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals.
Perry spent her collegiate career at Mississipi State University (1997-2000). Her accolades include AP All-Southeastern Conference Honorable Mention (1999-2000), SEC All-Tournament Team (2000), SEC Academic Honor Roll (2000), MSU Lady Bulldog Best Defensive Player (1999, 2000), MSU Lady Bulldog Best Rebounder (2000) • MSU Lady Bulldog Coaches Award (1999, 1997) • MSU Lady Bulldog Hustle Award (1998). Perry graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Education in 2000.
