Davidson returning to YSU women’s program
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown State head women’s basketball coach John Barnes announced that Courtney Davidson, a former member of his staff, is returning to YSU as an assistant women’s basketball coach.
Davidson returns home after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant coach at Radford University in Virginia. An Ursuline graduate, she was YSU’s Director of Operations in Barnes’ first season as a Penguin in 2013-14.
“I’m very excited to welcome Courtney back home and to our staff,” Barnes said. “She did an outstanding job as our Director of Operations four years ago, and she gained some great experience when she was away from YSU.
“Being from [the Mahoning Valley], her ties to the community and area high school coaches will greatly benefit our program.”
Davidson replaces previous assistant Sam Hoyt, who left to take a position closer to her hometown.
Davidson, who played for Michigan State, will be in charge of the development of the Penguins’ point guards, and she will assist in opponent scouting, recruiting and practice planning.
“As a Youngstown State University alumna, I am thrilled to be returning home to join Coach Barnes and his staff once again,” Davidson said. “President [Jim] Tressel has made an incredible impact on Youngstown State, and it is truly a special time to be a part of Youngstown State Athletics and the Penguin family.”
Radford had a historic run during Davidson’s two seasons on the bench. Last season, the Highlanders finished 24-9 and earned the Big South’s automatic bid to the Women’s NIT.
Radford won its first regular season conference title in 25 years and was one win shy of tying a program record for most wins in a season. The Highlanders were 18-13 and tied for third in the Big South in 2015-16.
Davidson was recognized as one of the top young coaches in the country after her first season at the Division I program. In 2016, she was selected as one of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s inaugural Thirty Under 30 class.