A former Wisconsin standout, Covington joined UE in 2014-15 and is in her second season as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team.
“I am very pleased to welcome Anya to our staff,” Epps said. “I had the pleasure of coaching her during my time at the University of Wisconsin. She is a high-character person and not only is she passionate about women’s basketball, she is passionate about helping young people. Her energy and enthusiasm will be infectious within our program and within our recruiting efforts. Amongst other duties, she will be responsible for working with our post players.”
Covington served as a graduate assistant for current NIU head coach and former UE head coach Kathi Bennett during the 2013-14 season. In Covington’s one season with the Huskies, Northern Illinois finished with an overall record of 11-19, including a 6-12 record in the Mid-American Conference.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to coach with this awesome staff and these players,” Covington said. “It is a great opportunity for me to teach young women, but also learn from a great coach.”
As a player at Wisconsin, Covington made 123 appearances on the court for the Badgers and served as team captain during her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Covington was named honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2012, after averaging 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. In addition, Covington was a two-time recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
“Oties and I were both at Wisconsin for three years and although he wasn’t my position coach, he was a mentor for me there and pushed me to be a better player and person,” Covington said. “I want to do that same thing here with the women at Evansville.”
Following her graduation from Wisconsin, Covington continued her playing career in the professional ranks overseas on a USA team against Ukraine and Moldova while ministering to those areas through Athletes in Action. She averaged 13.6 points per game, 10.3 rebounds per game and 1.8 blocks per game with the DBBL Rhein Main basketball team before suffering a season ending injury. Covington also coached two professional teams while playing, assisted the Rhein Main U17 and U13 clubs in Germany to winning seasons.
“Being both a collegiate and professional athlete, I learned the art of discipline and focus, and what work ethic is,” Covington said. “I think I can bring passion, as well as work ethic and discipline to this team.”
Her goal is to impact lives in a positive way through encouragement, empowerment and inspiration.
She believes in the playing style and philosophy of Coach Epps and she is very grateful to be where she is at.
A native of Edwardsville, Ill., Covington graduated from Wisconsin with a degree in English in 2012.
