ATHENS, W.Va. - During the course of the fall semester, the Concord University Sports Information Department will be profiling each member of the Concord Athletics Staff in a Behind the Scenes series.
The next coach to be profiled is head women's golf coach and assistant women's basketball coach
Tesla Southcott. She's in her seventh season as the top assistant for head coach
Kenny Osborne, and 2020-21 marks her fourth season as the head women's golf coach.
Name: Tesla Southcott
Position: Head Women's Golf Coach/Assistant Women's Basketball Coach
College Alma Mater: Ferrum College (Bachelor's, '13), Concord (Master's, '17)
What made you decide to get into coaching?
I have always wanted to be a coach. After playing for some amazing people in my playing career and especially at the collegiate level I saw the dream job to me. I never thought I could give up the game, so it seemed like the right career path to pursue.
How did you land at Concord?
I am originally from Princeton, West Virginia. I have known Coach Osborne for 20 years now- for I used to come to his basketball camps as a young player. Concord has always been home to me. After college I took a coaching job at Princeton Senior High School and then his assistant job came open the next year.
What's your most memorable moment as a coach either at Concord or another coaching stop?
Traveling alongside Coach Osborne and all the laughs and lessons I have shared with him. Alsi a win against regionally-ranked and the top team in the Mountain East Conference Glenville State last season.
What's the most rewarding part of your job?
The bond with my players. Sharing the game that I love with young female players. Sharing the life lessons, it taught me and help shape them into the best people they can be on and off the court.
Tell us where you're from and little bit about the area you grew up in.
Princeton, West Virginia. Located about ten minutes from Concord. It is the best of both worlds. It is small enough to get help, know everyone, and lend a hand when a neighbor needs it, but it is big enough to have everything you need in food, stores, outdoor living, etc. Amazing place to raise your family and a very sports-supported town.
Favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere there is a beach. I love seafood and feeling my toes in the sand.
Best local restaurant to eat at?
Taste of Memphis
What's the biggest attribute you look for in an athlete?
Their work ethic and attitude. It's a tie. I think to be successful in collegiate sports as well as life you have to have a great work ethic and a great attitude.
What makes Concord special or what's your favorite thing about campus?
The people make Concord. Any department or any sport the program is a family. You cannot put a price tag on the relationships that Concord can give you.
What advice would you go back and give yourself if you were 20-years old again?
Don't sweat the little things. Control the controllables. Embrace your last year of playing the game you love with everything you have. Be more focused on your degree than basketball. Finally, let the country roads take you home, for that is where you belong.
Favorite TV show unrelated to sports?
Law & Order Special Victims Unit or Chicago P.D.
What's one bucket list item you have yet to accomplish?
Become a Division II Head Women's Basketball Coach.
