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Courtney Davidson assumed the role of assistant coach at Radford University in Radford, Virginia, before the start of the 2015-16 season. She helped lead the Highlanders to an 18-13 record, which was their most wins since 2007-08. The Highlanders also reached the Big South Conference Tournament semifinals. |
Tell us a little about your background?
I’ve been around the game since I was 4 years old. I am a Michigan State University alum and was a member of the 2005 National Championship runner-up team. Post-graduation I attended Youngstown State University and received a master’s in school counseling. I began coaching at Youngstown Ursuline High School as the freshman and junior varsity head coach (2008-11) and later became the head varsity coach (2011-13). In 2013 I joined the Youngstown State Women’s Basketball staff as director of operations and held the same role the following year at the College of Charleston. After two years in the director of operations role I was able to become an assistant coach at Radford this past season.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am HUGE on family and value the time I get to spend with them! I also like to shop (usually for shoes) and travel to experience places that I’ve never been before. Lastly, outside of our team community service, I enjoy playing an active role in the community as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
When did you know you wanted to be a coach?
As soon as I hung up my sneakers. I had been around the game for way too long to walk away and be done after my four years of college. I honestly planned to be a guidance counselor/academic advisor just to be around the game and to “coach” student-athletes both on and off the court. I guess you could say that God had other plans for my path.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
I always pray during the national anthem. My prayer is that the game is injury free for both teams, that our words as coaches will help guide our players towards a victory, and I thank Him for another opportunity to be doing what I love to do. I also have a few “cool handshakes” with individual players as well. I definitely had a few more as a student-athlete getting ready for games.
What is/are the most challenging part(s) of your role?
I was at the director of operations position for two years prior to coaching, so the transition was challenging at times. The most challenging part of my role is wanting to be GREAT right away, yet knowing I have so much learning and growing to do as a coach.
How do you work through these challenges?
I told myself two things after the first few mistakes and not knowing what to do at times:
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, just make sure to make the corrections afterwards!
- Ask questions! I have surrounded myself with good people who I can rely on to help me if I can’t figure out the solution to the problem.
Briefly state your coaching philosophy. What values are important to you that you try to instill in your student-athletes?
Using our program’s core values (integrity, respect, appreciation, passion and unity), I try to mold our student-athletes into becoming well-rounded young women. As a former player I am passionate about sharing my firsthand knowledge and experience (the good and the bad) in efforts to foster the growth of players both on and off the court.
What is your favorite memory in your current coaching role thus far?
Definitely would be the entire 2015-16 season as a whole. I pride myself in having the “never give up … no matter what” mentality. They overcame obstacles that I’m not sure they believed they could overcome towards the beginning of the season. Our team faced a lot of adversity it was truly something special to witness our team adopt that same “never give up … no matter what” mindset throughout the entire season.
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a WBCA “Thirty Under 30” honoree?
It is unquestionably an honor to be recognized. Being at the collegiate level for only three years, I know I have so much more learning and growing to do as a coach. It’s a blessing to simply be doing what I love to do, yet alone being recognized for it. I am very thankful for those who have helped and given me the opportunities to be where I am today. I am very humbled to say the least.
The WBCA recognizes annually the WBCA's Thirty Under 30 recipients. This recognition was created to honor thirty of the up-and-coming women's basketball coaches age 30 and under in the sport at all levels of the game. For more information on the award, click here