While most people are still asleep, Jem Lowrance is already hard at work. Averett University’s Director of Sports Performance starts his day at 4:30 a.m., long before the first light hits the weight room. By 5:15 a.m., he’s setting up for the football team’s morning lift, preparing racks, weights, and plans for a demanding start to the day.
From 5:45 to 8:30 a.m., the sound of clanging weights and high energy fills the room as multiple football groups work through their sessions. Lowrance moves through the gym with calm focus, encouraging and pushing each athlete to give their best effort.
After the morning grind, he heads home for a few hours to recharge. Between 9 a.m. and noon, he eats breakfast, catches up on work, and takes a quick nap before returning to his own training. Around 12:30 p.m., he’s the one working out with a mix of weights and cardio that keeps him strong and sets the standard for the athletes he coaches. Lunch follows at 2 p.m., and then it’s back to campus for the afternoon wave of team sessions.
From 3 to 7 p.m., Lowrance leads various team lifts, each one tailored to the unique needs of Averett’s student athletes. Whether it’s football, volleyball, or basketball, his approach is always the same. He is encouraging, structured, and focused on long term growth.
“I want every athlete to leave the weight room better than they came in, not just physically, but mentally too,” he often says. His positive attitude and energy have made him a respected figure across Averett’s athletic programs.
Lowrance’s connection to Averett runs deep. He first arrived on campus in August 2021 as a transfer student and played basketball on Averett’s Team for three years. His love for training developed during his time as an athlete, and by August 2023, he began interning in strength and conditioning. That experience led him to his current leadership role, where he now guides others toward the same dedication and discipline that shaped his own college journey.
By 7:30 p.m., his day finally winds down with dinner, followed by a few hours of rest and TV before lights out at 11 p.m. The schedule is demanding, but for Lowrance, it’s more than a job, it’s a calling to help Averett athletes reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
