Avery Joins Highlander Coaching Staff

Radford, Va. - Radford head coach Jeri Porter has announced that RJ Avery has joined the Highlanders women’s basketball coaching staff. Avery comes to Radford after spending the last two seasons as the assistant coach and intramural director at Iowa Western Community College. Her main emphasis at Radford will be post player development and recruiting.

“RJ Avery is the perfect fit for Radford Women’s Basketball. She brings an invaluable combination of energy and professionalism, as well as having had the distinct experience of having played on the highest level of collegiate women’s basketball in the Southeastern Conference,” said coach Porter.

The Chattanooga, Tenn. native was a standout player at the University of Florida from 1987-91. A four-year starter, she left the Gator program having posted 1,398 points and 777 rebounds over her career. In 1989 she captained the South team in the 1989 Olympic Festival, averaging a team best 12 points and helping her team to a bronze medal.

Avery began her coaching career with a three-year stint at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga. From 1992-95, she served as an assistant coach and the program’s recruiting coordinator. After Columbus State, she worked as a Child Counselor dealing with troubles youths for six year. She returned to coaching for the 2000-01 season as an assistant at Tyner High School in Chattanooga.

“She is a proven recruiter, and her ability to teach the game will be a huge asset for our young, talented post players. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her, and excited to welcome she and her family to Radford University,” stated Porter.

She is a 1987 graduate of Brainerd High School where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame. She is a 1991 graduate of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation.