Getting to Know the Wildcats Track & Field/Cross Country Coach Cox

7/25/2023 12:35:00 PM

By: Chris Myers

FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Being thrown right into the spring season fire, the newest Wildcat coach battled through without missing a beat. Now in only her fifth month at her post in The Valley, Fort Valley State Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach Brittany Cox prepares for her first full season leading her teams.

Cox jumped right into the spring Wildcat track & field season. Her first women's team grabbed fifth in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship. Individually, the Wildcat coach saw Terrell Williams take first place in the 800 meters, while both Joe Williams and D'liyah Austell were second in the men's shot put and women's 200 meters as the highest place winners.

Let's take the opportunity to get to know the always smiling and driven Coach Cox heading into the 2023-24 academic year and first full season at the helm:

First, where the FVSU comes from…

Coach Cox competing as an thrower at MTSU

*Where did you go to college and what did you study?
Middle Tennessee State University. Physical Education/ Exercise Science Concentration

*Where are you originally from/grew up?
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee

*What drew your interest in sports and then into coaching?
I've been playing sports since I was 3 years old. I feel my purpose in life is to help others, so the only way I truly know how is via sports.

*What things do you enjoy away from coaching?
I love being with my family and my dogs. I love traveling and playing other sports. Outside of still competing in track and field, I play slow pitch softball. I like watching movies and going to the beach.

*Tell about your family
My family is very competitive (even though they don't think so). Both parents were multi-sport athletes. My sister was, also, a superstar in all 3 sports played as she received a scholarship to play volleyball for Clark Atlanta. I have a very large extended family full of very close friends. I have 2 dogs (Bamm-Bamm (8) and Roofus (6)).

*Unique fact or something interesting about you?
I identify as the Queen of corny jokes!

*What are you thankful for?
I am thankful for the gift of life, my family and friends, and the opportunity to be a head coach.

*What makes you smile?
My family, my athletes being great, my friends, comedy movies, and a good joke!

*What makes the day a good one?
Whenever I can make someone smile…or leave the office early. (HA!)

General FVSU:

*How long have you been at FVSU?
Since February 20, 2023

*What brought you/interested you in this coaching opportunity at FVSU?
It was the opportunity I've been praying for in my career, and all HBCU's deserve a chance to be the best.

*What do you like about The Valley…what makes it unique?
My favorite colors are blue and yellow, it's relatively "country" (how I like it), and the atmosphere is family-oriented.

Coaching:
*What is your favorite part(s) of coaching?
Being able to mentor young adults and to help student-athletes get better athletically, academically, and in life.

*What is your coaching background and where have you coached?
I coached 7 years at Georgia Southern University, and a year and a half at Alcorn State University.

*What do you base your coaching philosophy?
The athletes are more receptive to new ideas/drills when they're enjoying what they do. My philosophy is about keeping the sport fun and keeping them "in love" with athletics.

*Do you consider yourself a players' coach? If so, how so and if not, what do you consider yourself?
I do. I believe because I listen to them and allow them to have a voice in some things with the program. I will, also, try my best to resolve any issues they're having, whether it's professional or personal. I am there for my athletes and they know Coach is going to have their back.

*Most unique place you were able to successfully get a recruit from in your coaching career?
Jamaica. I've never had the most confidence in recruiting, so when a 65m javelin thrower from Jamaica wanted to be coached by me, I was shocked.

Coach Cox throwing as part of teh MTSU team

*Favorite place to eat on a team road trip?
My kids will 100% say Jason's Deli! It's, hands down for me, Chick Fil A.

*Favorite place you have seen while on a team road trip?
Penn Relays…visited the "Rocky stairs" that Sylvester Stallone ran up. Also, the helicopter tour we did at a spring break meet in Myrtle Beach.

*What drives you and gives you that passion for what you do?
The smile that I get from the kids when they compete and shock themselves by their phenomenal performance.

Team Specific:
*Vision for your program
Building a family-type team culture so we can get back to where the program once was…winning SIAC titles and competing at NCAA Nationals while being scholars.

*Other than winning the SIAC title and making the NCAA Nationals, what are some team goals you have for the upcoming year
Higher team APR, USTFCCCA nationally ranked program, BEAT ALBANY STATE!!!

*Took over the program February 2023,
A) How did you feel your first year went?
I think my first season was rather successful. It could've gone a little better, but I have no complaints.

     B) Challenges you faced and ones you see ahead for your team?
My athletes didn't really have the opportunity to train early like other programs, so they got a late start, eligibility was an issue in the beginning, and just trying to be in several places at once was a challenge. I don't really foresee any challenges ahead.

     C) What you learned in Year 1?
A LOT of new rules! And how I need to be more stern with the athletes.

     D) Goals you have had in recruiting the upcoming year's class?
The goal is to bring in at least 5-7 more men and 5-10 women.

E) Type of team you are trying to put together
I love coaching the underdog. The type of team I'm building will be successful academically and be hungry enough to dominate their events when someone else is predicted to win.

     F) What will make your team more successful this year
Them having a coach for a full season, having the training equipment needed, and structure.

     G) What are you doing yourself to be better at directing your team?
I'm forever learning new things related to all events of cross-country/track and field. I'll continue to read books/journals/articles and watch videos demonstrating new techniques and such.

     H) What is a message you would like alumni, families and fans to know about your team and why continued support is so vital
Their continued support will be the reason this team excels tremendously. The athletes appreciate the fact that there are people who wholeheartedly believe in them and they can be great in whatever they set their minds to.

-Wildcats-

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Getting to Know the Wildcats Track & Field/Cross Country Coach Cox