Smalley Retiring as Women’s Basketball Coach After 34 Years, Bias Named New Head Coach
It is often said that every good story must come to an end. At Rio, however, the story of Coach David Smalley and the impact he has had on his players, staff, students, coworkers, and community over his 34-year career will continue to live on.
Smalley officially announced his retirement today as Head Coach of the University of Rio Grande’s women’s basketball team.
A 1982 Rio graduate, Smalley began his coaching career as the varsity girls’ head coach at Warren High School in Vincent, Ohio. He later served as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green State University and as an assistant coach at Morehead State University before returning to Rio.
His storied career at Rio began in 1992. Throughout his tenure, Smalley accumulated a record of 729-348 (.676), coached in 13 national tournaments, earned 10 Conference Coach of the Year honors, and won multiple regular season and tournament conference titles. His 729 victories place him among the top 50 all-time in women’s college basketball history.
The Rio Grande women’s basketball program ranks sixth all-time in program victories, and his leadership played a central role in building that tradition. Known for a fast-paced and high-scoring style of play, his teams consistently ranked among the NAIA’s national leaders in scoring.
“Coach Smalley’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary era for Rio women’s basketball. For 34 years, Dave poured his energy, passion, and unwavering dedication into this program, shaping it into one of the most respected in the NAIA and the River States Conference,” said Jeff Lanham, Rio’s Athletic Director.
“His commitment to our student-athletes, both on and off the court, has left a legacy that will be felt for generations. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to the University of Rio Grande, and we celebrate a career defined by enthusiasm and a genuine love for the game.”
Smalley is a member of Rio’s Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach and Peebles High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a player.
As he steps away from the sidelines, Smalley leaves behind an impact on the University of Rio Grande and on women’s basketball that cannot be measured. His legacy reflects leadership, loyalty, and a commitment to building something special. That standard will continue to guide the RedStorm program for years to come.
Brandon Bias Named New Coach of RedStorm Women
Brandon Bias, a longtime member of the coaching staff and one of the architects behind the program’s recent success, has been named the next head coach of Rio’s women’s basketball team.
A native of Hewett, West Virginia, Bias steps into the role following more than a decade of contributions to the team’s rise as a conference and national contender.
“Working alongside Coach Smalley for 12 years has been an honor, and taking over a program he built is something I take a lot of pride in,” said Bias.
Bias began his coaching career at Buffalo High School (WV), where he served as head coach for four seasons. In 2011, he led the team to a 17–6 record and was named Kanawha Valley Coach of the Year by the Charleston Daily Mail.
Bias joined Rio in 2012, quickly making an impact by helping lead the team to a KIAC championship during the 2014–15 season. Following his first stint at Rio, Bias joined the staff at the University of Pikeville, where he contributed to a 26–9 record, the program’s first Fab Four appearance, and the development of multiple All-Conference and All-American players. He returned to Rio in 2018 as recruiting coordinator. Since then, he has played a central role in assembling some of the strongest recruiting classes in program history.
Rio has posted milestone seasons, including a program-record 32 wins and consecutive runs in the NAIA National Tournament. His recruits have earned numerous accolades, including 17 First-Team and 13 Second-Team All-Conference selections, six RSC Player of the Year honors, and six NAIA All-America recognitions.
Beyond recruiting, Bias has contributed significantly in scouting, player development, and daily operations, helping teams compile a 273–111 (.710) record during his assistant coaching career and secure multiple conference championships and national tournament appearances.
Bias earned his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia State University and a Master of Education from University of Rio Grande. Bias resides in Gallipolis with his son, Bennett.