The University of Virginia's College at Wise Athletics

When a highly anticipated sophomore season was cut short due to injury, UVA Wise was saddened to learn it would have to continue the rest of the 2022-23 season with out one of its best player in Joe'l Pettiford. Now, Pettiford is back and healthy and ready to lead UVA Wise to successful season at the forward position. When looking at Pettiford's first season on campus at UVA Wise, it's not a shock to understand the hype surrounding his return this year. Averaging 11.1 PPG and 6.1 RPG on 54.4% FG, Pettiford was named to the 2021-22 SAC All-Freshman Team. He recorded 22 blocks on the year, averaging 0.8 BPG. Both marks placed him in the top 15 performers of the conference in just his first year.

Born and raised in Greensboro, N.C., Pettiford attended Southwest Guilford High School in High Point, N.C. where he was an obvious high-level basketball player. A two-time state champion with the Cowboys, Pettiford was awarded All-District, All-Conference, and Most Outstanding Player during his high school career. After high school, like his current teammates Carmelo Pacheco and Deuce Wingfield, Pettiford elected to spend a post graduate season at Fork Union Military Academy.

Pettiford, a son to his mom, Nicole, and his father, Anthony, is currently studying Sports Management at UVA Wise.

High School
- 2x state champion
- All-District
- All-Conference
 

Collegiate
- All-SAC Freshman Team (2022)