July 9, 2009

RICHMOND, Va. - Fifth-year head coach Michael Shafer announced the hiring of former Spider standout Ebony Tanner Moore as an assistant coach for the Richmond women's basketball team.

Tanner Moore returns to Richmond after having coached at Shaw University for three years. Tanner Moore guided the Shaw Bears to a 2008 CIAA Tournament Championship and a NCAA Tournament Appearance.

"I am incredibly excited to bring Ebony back to the University of Richmond," said head coach Michael Shafer. "She was a great student-athlete and will bring experience to our program. At Shaw, Ebony basically had her hand in every duty that coaches perform. She gained invaluable coaching experience there."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to join Coach Shafer and be a part of his wonderful staff," said Tanner Moore. "It is a dream to come back and coach at my alma mater and I'm so excited about this opportunity to give back."

Tanner Moore played professional basketball for two years in Israel and Greece before joining the Shaw University staff.

"Her professional playing experience will obviously benefit our players," said Shafer. "She will be able to relate to our current and potential student-athletes because she knows what the players go through academically, socially and athletically."

The Garner, N.C. native built a decorated resume while playing for the Spiders from 1999-2003. The 6'2 center finished her career as the Spiders' eighth leading scorer with 1,215 points and finished fifth all-time with 824 boards. Tanner Moore is one of only five Richmond women's basketball players to score 1,000 points and grab 500 rebounds. Tanner Moore also swatted a career 114 shots, including six in a game, to place fourth all-time in blocked shots.

Tanner Moore scored 518 points her senior year, ranking eighth for points in a single season. Also in that year, Tanner Moore earned Atlantic 10 second team honors after leading the Spiders to a 21-11 mark, and the quarterfinals of the WNIT.

Tanner Moore's primary responsibilities will include: film exchange, practice scheduling, community service and academics for post players, in addition to assisting with player development of post players.

"Ebony is an excellent communicator, which will make her a great coach and confidant for our players and recruits," said Shafer. "We welcome her husband, Tony, and daughter, Taylor to Richmond as well. This is a great addition to the Spider family!"

Tanner Moore currently resides in Richmond, Va. with husband, Tony and their daughter, Taylor.