From Highlanders to Honorees: Radford Alumni Recieve NCAA Awards

By: Rylee Meadows

Two Radford University Alumni were recognized with prestigious NCAA awards this month. 

The late Charlene Curtis, a former Radford women’s basketball player and coach, posthumously received the NCAA Gerald R. Ford Award for her significant leadership and advocacy for intercollegiate athletics throughout her career. Curtis had an impactful athletic career, being the first African American woman to play basketball at Radford, the first African American women’s basketball head coach at Temple, and the first African American women’s basketball head coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Curtis had a successful coaching career at her alma mater, Radford University, as well as Wake Forest, Temple, and UConn. She also introduced instant replay and created standardized training clinics while officiating in the ACC after her coaching career. Curtis was considered a person of integrity and inclusiveness, as well as a lifelong mentor to many. 

The NCAA Award of Valor is presented to an individual who shows courageous action or noteworthy bravery when confronted with a situation involving personal danger.

Radford Alum and Head Baseball Coach, Alex Guerra, was recognized by the NCAA for his courage in a situation that occurred in September 2024. In his athletic career, Guerra played at the Division III level before transferring to Radford University for his final two years of eligibility. Now he serves as the head baseball coach at his alma mater, Radford University. 

While walking along the New River with his wife, the couple heard screams coming from the river. Out of concern, they ran towards the riverbank and saw Nick Barton and Cody Duncan struggling in the water. The two Radford students were fishing when Duncan fell into the water and struggled against the river’s current. Barton tried to help his friend, but could not pull them both out of the water alone. Guerra jumped into the water to help and successfully saved both of them from being swept away. Thanks to Guerra’s immediate response, Duncan and Barton made a full recovery. 

Both NCAA award recognitions are the first-ever for Radford Athletics alumni. Charlene Curtis and Alex Guerra showed leadership, service, and commitment to the Radford Community throughout their careers. These honors highlight the extraordinary impact Radford alumni continue to have on Radford University athletics.