The University of Virginia's College at Wise Athletics

Austin Howard will be joining the UVA Wise men's basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach for the 2021-2022 season.

Howard, originally from Pulaski, Tenn., completed his undergraduate education at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla. from 2013 to 2018, where he was a five-year student-athlete on the basketball team and served as the team leader of the school's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). As a player on Flagler's basketball team, Howard put up 422 points, along with 190 rebounds and 154 assists.

After his exceptional undergraduate career, he then attended Middle Tennessee State University and served as a graduate assistant to the college's basketball team from 2019 to 2021 while earning a master's in leisure & sports management.

Prior to Middle Tennessee State University, Howard also served as a varsity basketball coach for Collierville High School in Memphis, Tenn. During his time at Collierville, Howard aided younger athletes to develop their skills and provided the instructional training necessary to compete at the higher level.

"We are thrilled to add Austin to our coaching staff," said Mellinger. "Austin has played and worked for some terrific coaches. He will connect well with our players, and will add great value to our program."

This is Howard's first season with the Cavaliers.