Grace van Rij was named director of program engagement for Furman's women's basketball program in June of 2024.
"Grace has been such a big part of our family for the past six years, and I'm excited we get to keep her in the program," said head coach Pierre Curtis in announcing her hiring. "She will help take us to another level in the community and through our social media."
van Rij has served Furman's women's basketball program in three roles during her tenure at the university — as a decorated player, graduate assistant coach, and now as director of program engagement.
In uniform, the Knoxville, Tenn., native played in 139 games, lettered all five years, and was twice selected team captain and All-Southern Conference, including her final campaign that saw her average 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. She averaged 10.0 ppg during the 2021-22 season while helping Furman to its first 20-win campaign in over two decades. Her .502 career field goal percentage ranks seventh in Furman history.
A four-time SoCon All-Academic Team pick and five-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll selection, van Rij graduated cum laud in 2022 with a degree in communication studies and earlier this year was accorded a master of art in strategic design, also from Furman.
