ATHENS, W.Va. – With so many new faces around the Carter Center for the 2025-26 school year, the Concord Sports Information Department will be highlighting all full-time employees in a Get to Know series throughout the first few weeks of the new athletic year.
Whether those friendly faces have been in Athens for five days or five decades, you'll know more about everyone in the Concord Athletic Department.
Name: Tesla Southcott
Position: Co-Athletic Director, Senior Women's Administrator, Head Women's Basketball Coach
College Alma Mater: Ferrum College (Bachelor's), Concord University (Master's)
Year(s) at Concord: Â 12
How did you land at Concord?
I am originally from this area and grew up coming to Concord Basketball camps. The assistant women's basketball job came open in the summer of 2014, one year after I graduated from Ferrum College. Growing up and knowing head coach Kenny Osborne, I applied to be his assistant coach! I wanted nothing more than to coach for a living in my hometown and I was lucky enough he took a chance on me and I am forever grateful for that opportunity.
Tell us a little bit about where you're from?
Haha! Princeton, WV located about 10 miles from Concord University. Needless to say, my parents took my sister and I to every Concord basketball event growing up so I might be biased to say my hometown is beautiful. The people make Mercer County a special place to grow up, it is a small town that loves sports and community. While it has really developed over the last decade I would describe the area is perfect for the outdoor lovers and blue-collar hardworking individuals.
What's been your most rewarding experience as an athlete or coach?
I can't just pick one moment as a coach, but I can definitely say without a shadow of doubt my most rewarding feelings come when I see our players become wives and mothers or land their first job after graduating. Seeing their growth from player/student to a successful strong woman in our society has been my most rewarding aspect of being a coach. It's always more than basketball to me.
Outside of family, who's had the biggest positive influence on your life?
Aside from family, Coach Bryan Harvey. He was my coach at Ferrum College. He is the most selfless, genuine, hard-working, determined, family-oriented person I have ever met. He is the reason I wanted to work in higher education and he is the reason I am the person I am today. His support and guidance even after my playing career continues to impact me daily to be a better wife, mother, coach, and athletic director. As a player he inspired my life on and off the court daily and I pray nightly that I can be half the coach and mentor to my players that he was to me.
What makes Concord such a special place?
Aside from the beautiful mountain views, the people make Concord special. The work ethic, dedication, and loyalty of the faculty, staff, and students all around campus make Concord who it is. I've always found that the family atmosphere on campus is constantly present and shows up for each other. It could be a reason to celebrate or a hardship to overcome; Concord people show up and will be the most determined and passionate support you could ever ask for. It is one of a kind!
Favorite vacation spot?
The Beach! Anywhere I can put my toes in the sand and hear an ocean breeze.
Go-to junk food?
Popcorn with extra butter and salt
What advice would you give today's college student that you found the most valuable
Nothing will come easy, but it will all be worth it. Be the hardest worker in the room! Dedicate yourself to what you are passionate about, do it with consistency and soak in all the knowledge that you can. It is only after failure that you succeed so don't be afraid to fail.
What's one bucket list item that you have crossed off and are most proud of?
Becoming a mother! I always dreamed of raising children in a gym and I get to just that here at Concord.
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