Porsha Graves, affectionately known as Coach Po, is a native of Burlington, North Carolina, whose passion for basketball has evolved into a prominent coaching and athletic administration career built on leadership, player development, and championship success. Her basketball journey began at Hugh M. Cummings High School, where she established herself as one of the program’s standout student-athletes. As a four-year varsity starter and team captain, Coach Po led the Cavaliers in assists while earning All-Region honors, All-District recognition, and 2nd Team All-State honors. Her leadership and basketball IQ helped lay the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the game.
Coach Po continued her academic and athletic career at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. Throughout her collegiate experience, she competed in multiple sports, including basketball (North Greenville), volleyball, and softball (JCSU), showcasing her versatility, competitive drive, and commitment to teamwork.
Following her collegiate playing career, Coach Po returned to her alma mater, Hugh M. Cummings High School, serving as an assistant coach before assuming head coaching responsibilities during the 2012 season. Despite inheriting a team that had struggled throughout the year, she helped guide the program to a second-round playoff appearance while establishing a stronger culture of accountability and competitiveness.
In 2013, Coach Po began a transformational ten-year tenure at The Burlington School, where she helped build one of the state’s premier girls' basketball programs. Initially serving as an assistant coach before becoming head coach, she played a pivotal role in leading the program to multiple Final Four appearances, conference championships, Elite Eight runs, and two NCISAA State Championships. In her first season as head coach, she guided the team to a State Runner-Up finish with only six players on the roster, demonstrating her resilience, adaptability, and leadership under pressure. Her teams consistently emphasized discipline, player development, and academic accountability while establishing a championship culture.
Coach Po later joined Greensboro College as Assistant Coach, where she managed recruiting operations, academic monitoring, scouting preparation, and program logistics. Her relationship-driven recruiting philosophy and commitment to holistic student-athlete development helped strengthen the program both on and off the court.
Most recently, Coach Po served as Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, and Director of Operations at Bluefield State University. In her role, she oversees all aspects of recruiting, player evaluations, roster management, academic accountability, scouting, and guard development. Under her leadership and mentorship, multiple student-athletes have earned conference honors, including All-Conference and All-Rookie recognition.
Known for her ability to build authentic relationships, develop talent, and create winning cultures, Coach Po brings a unique combination of coaching experience, operational leadership, and mentorship to every program she serves. Her philosophy centers on building culture before chasing wins, developing student-athletes beyond basketball, and leading with structure, accountability, and purpose. With a proven record of program growth, recruiting success, and player development, Coach Po continues to establish herself as a respected leader in women’s basketball.
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