Russell Named Assistant Coach

Follows veteran staffer, Jacob Rodriguez

WAXAHACHIE, Texas  --  Southwestern Assemblies of God University women’s basketball Head Coach Arlon Beadles announced that Ryan Russell will join his staff as Assistant Coach this winter.

Russell is a current student at SAGU and played on the men’s team a year ago. He follows Jacob Rodriguez, who had served on Beadles’ staff for five seasons.

“I love the game of basketball,” Russell said this month. “The chance to be around it and have an impact on players is something that is really appealing.”

The Lady Lions have won between 23 and 25 games the past three seasons, contending for the championship in the Red River Athletic Conference. The challenge to reload instead of rebuilding compels the young assistant.

SAGU will be meshing in three new starters this season. Coach Russell said part of his role is leading the team’s weightlifting program as well as working with post players.

He’s looking forward to the experience of coaching with and learning from Beadles. “Coach Beadles is an all-around great person,” he said. “You can really tell that he loves the game of basketball. More importantly, he makes an impact on lives of the players that he coaches. That kind of caring attitude and the attention to detail that he brings to his team breeds success.”

About Ryan Russell

Russell was a four year varsity letter winner in basketball at Northwest High School in Justin, 25 miles north of Fort Worth, Texas. He was the team captain and MVP for the Texans during his junior and senior seasons. Russell was also named All-District First Team for the Class 5A school of 3,100 students.

The 6-foot-4 Russell played for Tim Grant on the SAGU junior varsity. He listed Grant as his favorite personal mentor. He then joined the Lions varsity under Dr. Jerry Boone last year. His highlight was a 17 point, 10 rebound performance in 24 minutes at Our Lady of the Lake University.

Russell’s encore effort five days later saw him net 10 points and pull down seven boards in 22 minutes during an 81-79 road win at Langston University.

He was the recipient of the Champion of Character award at the Athletic Banquet, an honor that included all male athletes.

He summed up his response to the prospect of serving in this capacity.  “It is so great to have the chance to make an impact in our athletics program here at SAGU. I really never could have dreamed that I would be in this position at this time. But God has just opened up the doors for me in ways that I could not have done on my own.”

“I really am thankful to Coach Beadles, Coach (Jesse) Godding, and all the other people who have put faith in me and given me the opportunity to fill this role as a coach,” he continued. “I really am humbled to be under such great leadership.”

Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, SAGU Sports Information Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 469-658-2847.

Russell Bio