CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Bradley Central has turned to one of its own legendary players to lead the storied Bearette basketball program.

School administration announced today the hiring of Jody Adams to take over the reins of the state's winningest hoop program,  filling a huge vacancy from left by the resignation of Jason Reuter earlier this month, who had compiled the highest winning percentage (91.4%) in the 104-year history over the past 16 seasons.

"Walking into the gym (Jim Smiddy Arena) and looking up to see my retired jersey with so many other past greats is a humbling reminder of our history, but my sole focus now is on the present team. 

"I'm excited to pay forward to the girls on this team what I have gained from the great Jim Smiddy, Pat Summitt, and many others in my journey," she proclaimed. 

"I will be dedicated to continue to grow the winning culture that Coach Reuter has left us with and to prepare future leaders here at Bradley Central High School.”

Playing for legendary coach Jim Smiddy from 1987-89, Adams scored 2,478 points in just three seasons, which placed her 10th nationally and first in Tennessee during that span.

She was named All-District, All-Region and District MVP all three years. She was also named the Region Tournament MVP in 1988 and 1989, while leading the Bearettes to three of their state-record TSSAA State Championship Tournament appearances. Adams was also the first female athlete to receive the school's prestigious "Steve Sloan Award."

Leaving one legend to play for another, Adams was a four-year starting point guard at University of Tennessee under Coach Summitt, helping lead the Lady Volunteers to five SEC championships and was the starting point guard on the 1991 National Championship team. 

Her accomplishments also include serving as the starting point guard for the United States Junior National Team, earning recognition on the ESPY Team of the Decade, and being inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Tennessee Hall of Fame in 2023.

"With more than 30 years of experience playing, coaching, and advancing women’s basketball, Coach Adams brings an elite level of leadership and success to the Bearette program," the press release stated. 

At the collegiate coaching level, Coach Adams spent 13 years as a Division I head coach, winning eight conference championships and making 10 postseason appearances, while also serving 18 years as a Division I assistant coach and associate head coach. 

Named the AFLAC Assistant National Coach of the Year, she has signed multiple nationally ranked recruiting classes at University of Missouri–Kansas City, Wichita State University, and University of Minnesota, while developing more than 20 professional players, including two WNBA athletes. 

Coach Adams is the winningest women's basketball coach in the history of Wichita State University and for the last four years have led the New Mexico State University, leading the Aggies to three straight trips to the WNIT, earning their first postseason victories in over 30 years.

BCHS principal Patrick Spangler stated, “This is a proud day for Bradley Central and our entire community. Coach Jody Adams is a leader who raises the standard in every room she enters. 

"She brings championship experience, (NCAA) Division 1 intensity, toughness, and excellence that we want our student athletes to live out every day.

"Her leadership strengthens our entire program," he assessed. "This is a major moment for Bradley Central, and the future of Bearette basketball is brighter than ever.”

Longtime Bradley AD Turner Jackson added, “I’m so glad to have Coach Adams joining the team. She’s a great coach, great player, and a former Bearette. That’s a great combination, and I’m just so happy to have her join our coaching staff and pour into our girls.”