Bio
Calen Lightford returns to UVA Wise for his sophomore year after a quality campaign as a freshman point guard. Last season, Lightford was second on the team and 12th in the SAC in assists (86 total, 2.8 APG) behind SAC Player of the Year Bradley Dean. Playing and starting in all 30 games for the Cavs, he was the main ball handler for Blake Mellinger's squad. Beyond distributing, Lightford is a more than capable scorer, averaging 8.0 PPG last year and reaching double figures 8 times which included a career-high 21 points against Clinton College, which he reached while also dishing out 7 assists. Finishing the year with 8.0 PPG, 2.8 APG, 45.1% FG, and 40% 3FG, it was no surprise as Lightford was named to the 2022-23 SAC All-Freshman team
Lightford suited up for the Cavaliers last year after a prolific career at Sparkman High School in Huntsville, Ala. He totaled 1,040 points for the Senators in just 65 games as a four-year varsity starter.
Majoring in Software Engineering, Lightford also enjoys fishing, bowling, and video games away from the basketball court. His favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant because of his approach and mindset to the game of basketball. Lightford also admires Flint, Mich. native and former Iowa State point guard Monte Morris because he loves his game (thanks to teammate Lav Cvetkovic' who introduced Morris to Lightford).
Lightford chose to attend UVA Wise because of the coaching staff, his teammates, and the impressive David J. Prior Convocation Center.
He is a son to his mom, Stephanie, and his dad, Cardell. He has three brothers, Caleb, Caden, and Josh.
Accolades and Awards
- 2022-23 SAC All-Freshman Team
