Tusculum Women’s Basketball Welcomes Rhys Pepino as Assistant Coach
The Tusculum University women’s basketball program just made a big move. Rhys Pepino is stepping in as an assistant coach, and honestly, he brings a pretty impressive mix of experience and energy to the Pioneers.
Pepino’s got a full plate ahead of him. He’ll handle recruiting, scouting, player development, and even social media coordination.
Head coach Tandy Bradford sounds genuinely thrilled about the hire. She’s pointed out Pepino’s drive to help players grow and his strong network for recruiting.
Pepino himself seems pumped to get started. He’s looking forward to working with Bradford and wants to help push the program forward.
Rhys Pepino Joins Tusculum University
Table of Contents
Tusculum University just added some serious depth to its women’s basketball coaching staff. Rhys Pepino is now on board as an assistant coach, and he’s expected to play a key role in several areas.
Here’s what Pepino will be focusing on:
- Recruiting: He’ll tap into his connections across Tennessee and the East Coast.
- Scouting: He’ll break down opponents and help shape game strategies.
- Player Development: He’s all about helping players improve on and off the court.
- Social Media Coordination: He’ll work on boosting the program’s online presence.
A Proven Track Record
Pepino comes to Tusculum after a strong run at the University of the South. While he was there, the Sewanee Tigers snagged their first-ever Southern Athletic Association Tournament win in 2025.
Before that, he spent a season at Illinois College and helped the team reach a milestone in conference play. He’s also worked as a student assistant at SIU Edwardsville and Eureka College, so he’s no stranger to different programs.
Coaching Experience and Achievements
Pepino’s coaching journey has had some real highlights. At the University of the South, he played a big part in the team’s breakthrough tournament victory.
His year at Illinois College stands out too, where he helped the team reach a historic finish in their conference. He’s clearly someone who knows how to make an impact.
Background and Education
Pepino grew up in Illinois and graduated from Eureka College in 2023 with a degree in psychology. That background gives him a bit of an edge when it comes to understanding players and how they tick.
Besides his work in college basketball, he’s coached AAU teams and worked at Breakthrough Basketball camps. It’s clear he’s put in the time to build a broad coaching resume.
Building a Strong Program
With Pepino joining the staff, the Pioneers look set for a fresh chapter. His recruiting chops, eye for scouting, and focus on player development should give the team a real boost.
Bradford and Pepino seem like a solid duo, ready to create a competitive and supportive environment for their players. It’ll be interesting to see just how far they can take the program in the next few seasons.
Conclusion
Tusculum University just brought Rhys Pepino on board as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team. That’s pretty exciting news if you follow the program at all.
Pepino brings a mix of coaching experience and recruiting know-how. He’s also pretty passionate about helping players grow—something this team could use right now.
Curious to dig deeper? Check out the full article here.