DANVILLE, Va. – A new era of Averett wrestling is underway, as former Cougar All-American Samuel Braswell steps into his first season as head coach with high expectations and a clear vision for the future.
Braswell, who was part of the program’s foundation as both a wrestler and assistant, now leads the team he helped build. He comes from a strong culture established under former head coach Blake Roulo, who left this offseason to take the top job at Ferrum College. While acknowledging Roulo’s influence, Braswell made it clear that he is not looking to simply continue what was built, but to raise the bar even higher, saying, “I don’t want to pick up where he left off. I want to make it even better.” Braswell noted.
That ambition includes goals of finishing in the top 15 nationally, qualifying at least five wrestlers for the NCAA tournament, and producing three All-Americans this season. Braswell also has his eyes on an ODAC championship, which he sees as an important event on the schedule for the program.
The 2025 roster includes 31 wrestlers, including 10 seniors who bring experience and leadership, along with nine freshmen eager to make an impact. With so many veterans on the roster, Braswell knows recruiting will be key moving forward. “I’ve got to recruit fast because a big part of our core will be leaving soon,” he said.
One of the season’s biggest storylines comes early, when Averett faces Ferrum College, now led by Roulo. The matchup carries extra emotion, given Roulo’s intimate knowledge of Averett’s roster and Braswell’s personal connection to his former coach and teammate. “Blake knows our guys’ strengths and weaknesses,” Braswell said. “My message is simple, stay poised and don’t let him get in your head.” Braswell said.
Braswell credits his foundation of faith, family, and accountability for shaping his coaching approach. He leans on his assistants to help maintain the program’s culture of toughness and brotherhood, explaining, “If I’m off, it affects everyone. We hold each other accountable, and that trickles down to the wrestlers.” Braswell said.
As the Cougars enter their ninth season as a program, Braswell sees this moment as the perfect time to take the next leap forward. With a veteran roster, a fresh voice of leadership, and ambitious goals, Averett wrestling enters the 2025 season poised to prove it belongs among the nation’s best.
