Avery Moore has always been the type to bet on herself.
The 2017 Randall graduate bet on herself to be one of the best players for head coach Jason Culpepper and the Lady Raider volleyball program.
Moore then doubled down as she went on to Lubbock Christian University becoming a team captain, a three-time first team all-conference selection and helped the Lady Chaps to a conference championship.
Following her playing days, the homegrown Amarillo product put her cards on the table one more time, and that decision completely paid off packing up her stuff for a move toward the east coast to be an assistant volleyball coach at the University of Charleston.
“After graduating college, I was living in Amarillo working at the Botanical Gardens,” Moore said. “I had always wanted to do event coordinating and then I tried teaching, so I was a long-term sub doing PE classes. I started figuring out I wanted to coach. I have always been extravert, so I took the job at Charleston and took that risk. I had nothing to lose and nothing holding me back. Amarillo is my home, but this was something that fits my personality.”
“I was shocked to get this job,” Moore said. “I’m 25-years-old. The West Virginia State athletic director (Nate Burton) watched me when I was at Charleston. We were a big rival, and he saw my personality and my coaching style, so he reached out. It’s been since taking the job at West Virginia State. We have a great support staff and top-notch people to learn from including my athletic director.”
Burton says hiring Moore is a decision he’s very happy he pulled the trigger on.
“Avery was very impressive throughout the interview process,” Burton said. “She was prepared, had a vision for where she wants to take the program, she knows how to teach the game, and truly cares about the student-athlete experience. I feel that Avery is doing a tremendous job in her first year. She wants to be great, and I know that she will be.”
Moore even brought the Yellow Jackets to Canyon in early September for a homecoming of sorts to compete at the West Texas A&M Lady Buff BritKare Classic.
“Bringing the team back to Canyon was bittersweet,” Moore said. “To be back in the Texas Panhandle for my first game as a head coach was one of the most unique opportunities one can have. We shared meals with my family outside of the tournament who means the world to me. “The Box” has been my all-time favorite place to play as an athlete, so I knew getting to coach there was going to be something special.”
Moore’s goal now is to carry on what predecessor Hurley started and be a great a coach as she was a player.
“Coach Hurley recruited great players and set this program up,” Moore said. “I just want to continue this program and build on that success. I want to keep joy in what I’m doing. I have a fire and passion for volleyball and a vision for this program. I just want to keep getting better at every aspect.”