Eva Zuniga and Her Sports San Diego

Ask anyone at USD what Blanche Alverson brings to the table, and you’ll hear the same themes again and again: care, commitment, culture, chemistry.

Though this is her first head coaching role, Alverson brings a powerful blend of playing experience, coaching insight, technical expertise — and most importantly, people skills — that emerging programs crave.

Most recently, she spent six years at Georgia Tech, moving from assistant to associate head coach, working alongside legendary head coach Nell Fortner. The Yellow Jackets made it to the NCAA tournament three times in those six years, including a 2021 Sweet 16 appearance, thanks in large part to Alverson’s mentorship. That year, Alverson was also recognized by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association as one of the Thirty Under 30 top rising coaches in the nation.

One way to determine the character of a coach is by knowing who wants to coach with them. When Fortner took the Georgia Tech job, one of her first calls was to Alverson — a testament to the trust and admiration between them. Previously, Fortner had coached Alverson during her four years at Auburn. When great coaches seek out those they know to join their coaching staff, that's a telling act.

"You could just tell how much she cared about the students that she's coaching," said USD President James Harris III during an April press conference. "There was this phrase when she talked about herself as ... an educator first, coach, second."

Raised in Andalusia, Alabama, Alverson's family moved to Buford, Georgia when Alverson was in high school. At Buford High Alverson helped lead her team to back-to-back state tournament runs as well as a 32-1 record and a state championship in her senior year.

From Buford, Alverson played at Auburn. There, Alverson excelled as a versatile point guard and forward, one of only four players in Auburn history to score 1,000 points and make 500 rebounds, 100 assists, 100 steals and 50 blocks. As a three-point sharp shooter during her time at Auburn, her excellence as a player translated into her coaching techniques today.

Having valued both academics and athletics as a student herself, Alverson prioritizes dedication from her players on and off the court. She earned her degree in biomedical science and was twice named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Then in 2016, she earned a master’s of science degree in sports management from Texas Tech while working as a graduate assistant for the women's team. Alverson understands the balance required between putting forth effort towards the game as well as academics. Having this dual focus was foundational to Alverson's choice of USD. “My values of a student-athlete experience align with the vision of USD, and so this was a very intriguing place," said Alverson.

At a press conference in April, Kimya Massey, USD's Executive Director of Athletics, expressed his enthusiasm for Alverson's ability to recruit, support women, and establish a winning culture.

"There's no doubt she will raise the bar for this program and take us to new heights," said Massey. "I'm so excited about her ability to connect with our student athletes, recruits, parents, our athletic department staff, and the entire USD Community."

Massey was spot on with his assessment of Alverson's ability to connect with others. In her short time at USD, she already has a fan base.

Off the court, Alverson is a self-described foodie and people person, which may help explain how quickly she’s built connections across campus. Whether she’s deep in a player meeting or discovering the local food scene, her energy is magnetic.

"Blanche Alverson is a fantastic addition to the USD family," said Nadia Abdala, USD women's tennis head coach and two-time West Coast Conference Coach of the Year. "She brings the perfect mix of ambition, vision, and positive energy that the women’s basketball program needs. I truly believe she’s exactly the right leader to take the team to the next level, and I’m really excited about her future here."

Team practices began this month, and the players are already feeling good about their new coach. There's "always joy around her," said Dresha Moore, a sophomore forward who started games at the end of her freshman campaign. "You cannot have a bad day around her [because] she's all full of joy. She makes everyone make sure they have a smile on their face when coming to the gym. I couldn't ask for anything better."

The team finished last season 9-22, leaving Alverson with the opportunity to transform and develop a new culture within the program. Alverson recognizes that setting expectations will be important. “It's going to be a process of player development and working every single day," she said. "Just continuing to build on our chemistry, our culture, setting that winning standard.” She sees an opportunity in having eight players return from last year's squad who already have great chemistry and want to play at USD.

What might fans expect to see from their new coach? First, an offensive mindset. "Being able to push the ball and play early in the clock and have a defense where we're going to be able to create some turnovers and allow us some more opportunities at the basket," said Alverson. "So we're gonna have a lot more of an ... offensive focus, but establishing that early is going to be the key."

During her first season, Alverson’s main focus will be centered around the improvement of the players and the team as a whole. “Focusing on on every single day, and not trying to look too far ahead, not trying to look behind, being very present in what we're doing," said Alverson. "Then working every day, the results will take care [of themselves] as long as we see improvement.”

Along with their new coach, the team has the great fortune of practicing in one of the nation's newest and finest state-of the-art practice facilities in the country. USD's basketball performance center opened in April and will contribute to the team's ability to recruit and develop players.

With her blend of experience, authenticity, and determination, Coach Alverson is poised to usher in a new era for Torero women’s basketball. While the road ahead may require patience and persistence, Alverson’s leadership and vision have already begun laying a foundation. If her track record is any indication, the University of San Diego is in good hands, and the climb back to success has already begun.