Evangel hires new head coach

Evangel University filled its head women's basketball coach position.

Preston Beverly comes to Evangel from New York, where he worked the last two seasons as head coach for 16 and under players of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, according to a news release. He succeeds Megan Leuzinger, who exited last month after three seasons at Evangel to become part of the women's basketball staff at Wright State University.

Beverly starts July 28, said Phil Dowden, associate director of athletics for external operations.

"It's an honor to be called to service at Evangel University," Beverly said in the release. "Springfield is an amazing city, and the state of Missouri has an amazingly rich basketball history. I look forward to expanding on Evangel's championship culture."

Beverly's experience includes serving as assistant coach at Hofstra University in women's basketball and head coach of the Richard Bland College of William & Mary in men's basketball. He also played collegiately at Virginia Military Institute and professionally in the National Professional Basketball League.

Beverly was chosen from three finalists and 33 applicants, Dowden said.

"Preston is an outstanding example of a coach who possesses the character traits and skills we are known for at Evangel University," said Dennis McDonald, the school's director of athletics, in the release. "His first priority is the spiritual and academic growth of our student-athletes, but at the same time he is a true competitor who will work tirelessly to lead the women's basketball team to championship level performance."

Evangel's men's basketball team also got a new coach this spring with the promotion of Bert Capel.