Anitra Thomas returns to E.C. Glass as head basketball coach

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — After leaving for a stint as an assistant coach at the University of Lynchburg, Anitra Thomas is returning to E.C. Glass to lead the Lady Hilltoppers basketball team once again.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Thomas back to E. C. Glass,” said school athletic director Elizabeth Masencup. “I look forward to watching her facilitate success with our girls basketball program by way of her coaching expertise, high expectations, and focus on accountability.”

RELATED: Anitra Thomas resigns at E.C. Glass, accepts asst. coaching position at U. Lynchburg women

Thomas returns to the head coach position with a reputation of excellence preceding her. During her time with E. C. Glass, she transformed the program into a regional powerhouse, leading them to a Region 4D runner-up title and state quarterfinal appearance in 2019. She won regional coach of the year honors in 2019 as well as the Seminole District Coach of the Year title in both 2019 and 2020. Glass finished with a perfect 8-0 record in 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down high school sports. In July 2020, Thomas left E.C. Glass to work on the staff of the University of Lynchburg's women's basketball team.

Thomas replaces Cedric Jones - a former assistant coach for Thomas, who led the Hilltoppers for the last three seasons. Jones led the Hilltoppers to the state playoffs in the 21-22 season, and will remain as an assistant coach this winter.

Before coaching, Thomas excelled as a player, as well. high school at Brookville, topping the Bees' single-season and career scoring records, earning the 2014 ABC13 "Full Court Press" Female Player of the Year award. The two time Seminole District Coach of the Year is also no stranger to D3 ball, playing for Christopher Newport, making the Sweet 16 twice.

In a statement, Thomas says she’s grateful for the opportunity to mentor the players, both in basketball and in life. “E. C. Glass has always held a special place in my heart, from the players to the students and faculty to the whole blue and white community,” Thomas said. “I want our program to be a powerhouse, but we've got to get back to the basics first by establishing our culture and holding each other accountable for the success of our season.”