Former volunteer assistant coach Javonie Small has been named the Director of Operations for Georgia’s track and field teams, according to an announcement from Bulldog head coach Petros Kyprianou.
Small, who graduated with a Sociology degree from Morehouse College in 2005, has served as a volunteer assistant on Georgia’s coaching staff since 2013 and worked at UGA’s summer track and field camps.
“We are very excited to welcome Javonie to our staff as Director of Operations,” Kyprianou said. “His work ethic and integrity are second to none, as well as his ability to connect with student-athletes and staff, will be an asset to the team. Javonie brings a very positive and a well-organized potential that will help us accomplish our team goals, both administratively and athletically.
“His role will be extremely crucial for our team as we have a very large number of outstanding student-athletes who must be supported so the coaches can focus on coaching and developing their student-athletes. Javonie will be mainly supporting our day-to-day practice, administrative and travel needs as well as supporting the marketing and promotional campaigns of our teams. He has the personality and skill set to help our staff and student-athletes succeed. We welcome him and his wife Sherena to our Dawg Family.”
Small was a eight-time Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) champion and six-time All-American (twice in the 400-meter hurdles, twice in the 110 hurdles and in the 4×100 and 4×400 relays) while running hurdles and sprints at Morehouse from 2001-05. He also competed at the 2006 and 2007 USATF Championships, advancing to the semifinals and finishing 15th nationally at the 2006 meet to complete the year with a No. 59 world ranking.
Following his career with the Maroon Tigers, he was a volunteer assistant with the program in 2006. Small then coached for the Athens Youth Academy in 2009-10 and for Clarke Central High School in 2010-12. He led the Gladiators to a four-spot improvement to fifth at the region meet in his first season, and then a third-place finish his second year. Small took the 4×400 relay team (twice), 4×100 relay team, a triple jumper (twice), a long jumper and a 400 runner to the state meet while coaching with Clarke Central.
A 2001 graduate of Royal High School in Brookshire, Texas, Small was a state high school champion in the 110 hurdles.
“I am so blessed and grateful to begin working as the Director of Operations for the Georgia track and field and cross country teams,” Small said. “I would like to thank Coach Kyprianou for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank the Bulldogs’ former head coach (Wayne Norton) for giving me the opportunity work as a volunteer coach at UGA. Without that opportunity, I would not be in this position today.”
“Coach Kyprianou has the drive, passion and vision to lead the team to a national championship and beyond in the future. I am ready and eager to help him carry out this vision. Go Dawgs!”
Small’s wife Sherena, a Portland, Ore., native, was a triple jumper at the University of Nevada, Reno.
In other Bulldog news, a trio of Olympians has joined the staff as volunteer coaches:
Reese Hoffa (throws) – Former Bulldog and American shot putter won the bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics, which was his third trip to the Games. Hoffa, who is also a two-time World champion and five-time USA champion, was a five-time All-American for Georgia and captured the 2001 Southeastern Conference outdoor title.
Levern Spencer (jumps) – Former Lady Bulldog and St. Lucian high jumper who competed at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, including having the honor to carry her country’s flag at the 2012 Games. Spencer was a four-time All-American at UGA and won three SEC titles.
Gonzalo Barrolhet (combined events) – Chilean decathlete who competed at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics following a standout career at Florida State University.