Russ Abner (Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach: 12th Year / Coordinator of Business Operations: 3rd Year)
Coaching Mission:
- “Players don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. We love that we get to build great relationships with our guys and that means more to us than wins and losses. We believe the wins are a by-product of the strong relationships and trust we build with our players along the way."
- “I tell others all the time, I consider myself an adopted Asburian. Although I didn’t graduate from Asbury, I love this institution, and I love that our players get to be a part of this amazing community. To be around others who want to see you become the best version of yourself and grow in your faith, that’s something that is so beneficial and special to the age group of student-athletes we get to coach. That impact lasts a lifetime.”
Education / Coaching Credentials:
- Eastern Kentucky University – Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
- Asbury University - Master of Business Administration (Present)
Coaching Experience:
- Asbury University, Associate Head Coach (2017-Present)
- Asbury University, Assistant Coach (2014-2017)
- Eastern Kentucky University, Manager/Student Assistant (2007-2010)
TeamAU History:
- Started coaching at Asbury in 2014
- Asbury Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions (Present)
- Asbury Assistant Director for Undergraduate Admissions (2020-2021)
Personal:
- My wife (Krista) and I have been married for 8 years and have two beautiful children (Eleanor and Mollie). We really enjoy hanging out as a family, traveling, and watching movies.
- Served 10 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve
- (Hometown) Versailles, KY
More:
Asbury University Athletics announced in September 2023 that
Russ Abner has been named Coordinator of Business Operations. He will continue to serve as Asbury Men's Basketball associate Head Coach.
Abner will serve as chief financial officer for the Athletics Department and primary staff liaison to AU Business Affairs Office, while managing day-to-day budget operations. The Science Hill, Ky., native is moving into this new position after serving as Assistant Director for Graduate Admissions at AU since 2020. Abner earned a bachelor's from Eastern Kentucky University in 2010 and is currently pursuing an MBA at Asbury's Dayton School of Business.
Graduating from Eastern Kentucky University in 2010, Abner earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies. He transitions into this new position from serving as Asbury Assistant Director for Graduate Admissions. Abner is also currently in the Asbury MBA program pursuing his masters degree.
"I'm very excited to start this new journey at Asbury University," said Abner. "This is a place I love and care deeply about. I can't thank Mark Whitworth and Ben Andrews enough for allowing me the opportunity to serve our athletics program in this role. I look forward to working alongside each of our teams and helping advance the mission of Asbury Athletics!"
"We are thrilled to welcome Russ into this important role on the TeamAU staff," said Mark Whitworth, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics & University Communications. "His strong commitment to student-athletes has been on full display during his 10-year tenure on our men's basketball coaching staff. We are very fortunate to have Russ continue as our Associate Head Coach, while also expanding his imprint on our program. We will benefit greatly from his dedication, energy and creativity."
Regarded as one of the department's top recruiters, Abner has seen consistent success while supporting Men's Basketball Head Coach
Will Shouse. The program is coming off one of the most successful seasons in school history, going 21-7 with an NCCAA Regional Championship and a trip to the NCCAA National Tournament for the second straight season.
"Russ has a heart for Asbury Athletics and has shown a tremendous amount of loyalty and commitment to the department," said Men's Basketball Head Coach
Will Shouse. "He will do an amazing job in his new role."
Abner was enlisted for ten years in the Navy Reserves. He and his wife Krista have been married for ten years and have two children (Eleanor and Mollie).
