News Summary
Covenant Women’s Basketball has appointed Samantha Russell as the new assistant coach. Russell, previously at King University, aims to enhance player relationships and integrate her Christian faith into coaching. With an impressive collegiate career and valuable coaching experience, she looks forward to contributing to the team’s growth and success within the NCAA framework.
Covenant Women’s Basketball Names Samantha Russell as New Assistant Coach
Lookout Mountain, GA – Covenant Women’s Basketball Head Coach Tonya McIntosh has officially appointed Samantha Russell as the new assistant coach for the team. The hiring comes as part of the program’s initiative to enhance its competitiveness and overall performance within the NCAA realm.
McIntosh expressed enthusiasm over Russell’s addition, highlighting her skills and character. Russell aims to nurture strong relationships with players and recruits while integrating her Christian faith into the coaching ethos. Her energetic approach and commitment to excellence are expected to make a significant impact on the program, fostering growth both on and off the court.
Before her new role at Covenant, Russell contributed to King University, an NCAA Division II program based in Bristol, TN. During her tenure, she played a vital role in the team’s resurgence, helping the Tornados improve from a previous record of just three wins to achieving a commendable 13-16 record. Under her guidance, King University progressed to the second round of the Conference of Carolinas Tournament.
Coaching Experience and Roles
At King University, Russell’s responsibilities included planning and conducting practice sessions, spearheading recruitment efforts, coordinating team travel logistics, and leading strength training sessions. Her multifaceted experience has laid a strong foundation for her upcoming role at Covenant.
Playing Career and Achievements
Russell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Health Science from Bryan College, where she graduated in 2024. She was a standout player at Bryan College, contributing to an impressive overall record of 84-14 during her playing career. Russell began her collegiate basketball journey at Young Harris College before transferring to Bryan, where she made a significant mark as a player.
Throughout her time at Bryan, she achieved numerous accolades, including being named the Appalachian Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year in her first season. Russell was twice recognized as an All-Conference player and concluded her collegiate career by being awarded the Conference Player of the Year and Third Team All-American honors. Over her career, she averaged 17.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Her contributions helped secure three AAC Regular Season Championships for the team.
Additional Background and Future Goals
In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, Russell also brings with her two years of experience coaching an AAU program in Tennessee, further demonstrating her dedication to developing young talent. She completed a High School Coaching Internship in 2023, which has added to her well-rounded coaching profile.
Taking this new role at Covenant, Russell has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in a capacity that not only focuses on athletic excellence but also allows her to promote her faith through the sport. Her passion for basketball, combined with her experience and local connections, positions her to contribute positively to the team’s culture and effectiveness as they strive for success in upcoming seasons.
As the Covenant Women’s Basketball program embarks on this new chapter, Russell’s guidance is anticipated to enrich the players’ development and enhance the overall strength of the team as they seek to achieve their goals in collegiate athletics.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
King University School Announces Athletic Department Changes
Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan.com: Samantha Russell Named Covenant Women’s Assistant Coach
- Wikipedia: Samantha Russell (basketball coach)
- WhoopDirt: Covenant College Announces McIntosh as New Women’s Basketball Head Coach
- Google Search: Covenant College Women’s Basketball
- IndyStar: IHSAA Girls Basketball 2024-25 City Tournament
- Google Scholar: Covenant Women’s Basketball
- Ozarks Sports Zone: 2024-25 Winter Preview New Covenant Girls Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Covenant College Women’s Basketball
- Sports Illustrated: Texas High School Girls Basketball Playoff Game Ends 78-0
- Google News: Samantha Russell Covenant Basketball
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