The Russellville Lady Golden Tigers will have a new varsity head basketball coach next season, as assistant coach Jemaine Groce is taking over the program, replacing Corey Thomaston.

The announcement was made March 1 by Russellville City Schools. “Coach Groce has played a prominent role in the football and basketball programs at Russellville High School,” RCS superintendent Heath Grimes said. “Jermaine is a high-energy leader that has a great work ethic. I am excited to see Jermaine put his stamp on the program and be the driving force behind achieving his vision for the girls’ basketball program.”

Groce is a graduate of Russellville High School and the University of Alabama. He has been an assistant coach with both the Golden Tigers’ basketball and football programs since returning to his alma mater.

Groce and his wife, Cassy, have two sons, Malaki and Austin.

The Lady Golden Tigers will be looking to improve on their 2018-19 season, in which they won four games. Groce will have a large number of experienced players returning for his first year as head coach. Six players from this past season’s roster should be back for their senior year, and all have seen significant playing time at the varsity level.