Gaither girls hoops coach hired at USF

Posted Aug 5, 2009 by Brett McMurphy

Updated Aug 5, 2009 at 11:54 PM

Andy Alwood, who coached Gaither High’s girl’s basketball team last season, has been hired as director of women’s basketball operations at the University of South Florida.

Alwood, 35, was 13-10 last season at Gaither. He replaces Cayll Smith, USF’s former director of basketball operations.

Alwood also coached at Punta Gorda Charlotte for seven seasons, including five as a head coach.

“I’ve known Coach [Jose] Fernandez for quite a while,” Alwood said. “We had a lot of mutual friends and we’ve gotten along well. It seemed like a real natural fit. I’ve also known [assistant] Jeff Osterman for a while. It was a good opportunity to get into the college level.”

Alwood also has been USF’s team camp director the past four years.

Hall to Houston? Former USF RB Andre Hall was scheduled to arrive in Houston Wednesday night with hopes of signing with the Houston Texans on Thursday.

Hall spent three seasons in Denver from 2006-08. He has played in 18 NFL games with one start.

He only has 79 carries in his NFL career, but has averaged 4.6 yards per carry.