Players, Assistant Agree Moore Right Man for AD Job

Men's basketball coach Chris Moore is able to relate to his players on and off the court. (Photo by Harry Washington)

When Hunter Ladler was discussing Chris Moore's qualifications for the athletics director position at Virginia Peninsula Community College, he didn't point to Moore's resume.

Ladler, a captain on the 2019-20 men's basketball team who transferred to Ferrum College, could have mentioned Moore had been on the staffs at Longwood University and Mount St. Mary's University; that he has coached at various levels, including high school and AAU programs; that in just his third season as the coach of the Gators men's team, he led them to a 16-1 record and the first conference tournament title since 2015; or that he also attended the College, making him familiar with its academic and athletic programs.

Instead, Ladler mentioned how Moore encouraged his players to attend the women's games, which often were before the men's games.

"It wasn't just about be there a little bit early. It was come, watch, and sit down and actually pay attention," Ladler said. "We're grown men, so for us to respect him enough to honor those types of things, it speaks volumes to his character and what type of genuine person he is. We knew that he cared … so we had to care about what he cared about."

Ladler said that approach will translate well in Moore's role as the athletics director, which he assumed July 25, because the people around him will know he cares.

"And knowing that, they'll follow," Ladler said.

Zeke Avery has been Moore's assistant since the coach joined the College in 2018.

"I say this, Chris Moore is an amazing young man with the qualities of a mature, older person," Avery said of the 33-year-old.

Moore stresses a team concept, which Avery said will transfer to the administrative portions of his athletics director role.

"The coaches that surround him, and staff members will also be impacted with his concept," Avery said. "He's also a recruiter, and he's a team player. He cares about the students and the student-athlete."

William Steger, a captain on Moore's championship team, felt that immediately.

"He's always treated me like family since the day I met him," Steger said. "We built a bond. It was just great from the start."

Steger said Moore is able to relate to the younger generation.

"He can get anybody to follow him," Steger. "As long as you're willing to put in the work, he's willing to help you. It doesn't matter who you are."

After just one season at the College, Steger transferred to the University of the Virgin Islands, where he will have three years of eligibility. Initially, Steger was going to attend Elizabeth City State, but the coach who recruited him was fired. Moore then connected Steger to the Virgin Islands.

"He's just a great person for the job," Steger said. "I think he's going to take Virginia Peninsula Community College to the next level in the athletic department. He's just a good guy, nothing but good things for me to say about him."

Jhalen Harris was one of the captains on the 2021-22 team and will be back next season. He also said Moore is relatable and understanding.

"He went through the same route most of us have been through," Harris said.

As the athletics director, Moore will be able to reach all the athletes, not just the basketball players. Harris also said Moore handles himself well off the court.

"He just a great leader, a great decision-maker," Harris said. "He's very good with other people. This season, when he had to speak up for himself and the team, he did very well in those situations."

Harris noted Moore is comfortable addressing others in a room, soliciting donations for teams, and doing things behind the scenes that are crucial to an athletics program.

"He's a good businessman, more than just a coach," Harris said.

That approach will help Moore succeed.

"He's all about progress," Ladler said. "In the three years he's been there, he took us from a program that wasn't in a conference to winning a conference championship. It's a great role for him. He's going to do great things in that role. And he loves Thomas Nelson, the Peninsula area. He's going to do everything he can to grow that program."