HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point University women’s basketball head coach DeUnna Hendrix announced the hiring of assistant coach Lori Drake on Tuesday.
“We are truly blessed to be able to add someone of Lori’s caliber to our staff,” Hendrix said. “Once a phenomenal head coach at the junior college level, I am thrilled to have her gift brought to High Point. Our players will undoubtedly get better because of Lori’s ability to develop court skills and we will get better as a coaching staff because of Lori’s knowledge. I’m elated to have her on our journey.”
Drake comes to HPU from Cape Fear Community College where she served as head coach from 2011-15. Drake built the Sea Devils’ program from the ground up with its first season of competition coming in the 2012-13 season. During her tenure at CFCC, she led the team to a 54-29 record. Drake left the program on a high note. The Brookneal, Va. native lead the squad to a 26-7 record and a No. 12 national ranking in 2014-15.
Under Drake’s tutelage, seven Sea Devils earned first team all-region honors. Meanwhile, she helped a handful of student-athletes transfer to NAIA, Division III, Division II and Division I schools. Prior to CFCC, Drake coached at Chichester University and worked as a camp counselor and floor coach for the Nike Girls’ Basketball Skills Academy and Ganon Baker Basketball.
Drake started her collegiate playing career Seward County Community College (2002-04) before transferring to UNC Wilmington. She served as the Seahawks captain in 2007 and was chosen as the team’s most valuable player while earning All-CAA accolades. Drake graduated from UNC Wilmington in 2007 with a degree in Bachelor’s of Arts & Science in Therapeutic Recreation.
“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of the Panther family here at High Point University,” Drake said. “I am very excited about working under coach Hendrix, as well as with the entire staff here at HPU. I have been welcomed warmly here at HPU and I am humbled to be a part of something great. The women’s basketball program here at HPU has risen fast under coach Hendrix and I am excited to be a part of the success that she is continues to build.”