Monterio Hand enters his ninth season at Virginia Union University in 2026, continuing his role as Wide Receivers Coach while also serving as Assistant Special Teams Coordinator. A veteran coach with more than two decades of collegiate experience, Hand has been an important part of Head Coach Dr. Alvin Parker’s staff and Virginia Union’s transformation into one of the premier programs in NCAA Division II football.
Hand and Parker’s coaching relationship extends well beyond Virginia Union. The two previously coached together at Elizabeth City State University, giving Hand a deep understanding of Parker’s expectations, philosophy, and approach to developing student-athletes. That longstanding relationship has helped provide continuity and leadership throughout VUU’s rise to championship prominence.
During Hand’s tenure at Virginia Union, the Panthers have experienced one of the most successful periods in program history. VUU has earned four consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearances from 2022–2025, advanced to three consecutive CIAA Championship Games, and captured back-to-back CIAA Championships in 2023 and 2024. Hand was also part of the 2024 staff that helped lead Virginia Union to its first NCAA playoff victory and an Elite Eight appearance, the deepest NCAA postseason run in school history.
Hand has played an important role in developing one of the conference’s most productive receiving units. At Virginia Union, he has coached numerous All-CIAA and All-American performers, including two-time All-American Charles Hall, All-American RJ Vick, Jaden Reavis, and Desmond Smith. His position groups have contributed significantly to record-setting offenses and the Panthers’ sustained championship and playoff success.
A native of Norfolk, Virginia, and Winton, North Carolina, Hand attended Elizabeth City State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. As a student-athlete, he was an All-Conference performer, earned Offensive MVP honors, and led the conference in receptions while establishing himself as one of the league’s top receivers.
Following graduation, Hand began his coaching career at his alma mater. He spent 14 years at Elizabeth City State, coaching wide receivers, tight ends, and special teams before adding Recruiting Coordinator responsibilities in 2016. During his tenure, Hand helped ECSU capture five divisional championships, make four CIAA Championship Game appearances, earn two NCAA Playoff appearances, participate in two Pioneer Bowls, and capture a Pioneer Bowl Championship.
Hand developed numerous All-Conference performers at ECSU, including Chris Carter, Billy Wiggins, Marvin Jackson, Dexter Manley, Reggie Smith, Keith Strickland, Lonnie Davis, Stanley Bryant, and Anthony Faulcon. He also coached All-American tight ends Victor Tabbs and Karvin Gwaltney. Several of his players earned professional opportunities, including Montario Hunter with the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets and Reggie Smith with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Throughout his career, Hand has built a reputation as a servant leader, recruiter, teacher, and developer of student-athletes. His ability to build relationships while demanding excellence has allowed him to help players maximize their potential both on and off the field.
Hand is a member of the American Football Coaches Association and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His extensive championship experience, longstanding relationship with Coach Parker, and commitment to player development continue to make him an important part of the culture and sustained success of Virginia Union Football.
