Longwood Bolsters Basketball Coaching Staff with Veteran Additions

Longwood University's men's basketball program has announced a series of key additions and promotions to its coaching staff, signaling a renewed commitment to excellence on the court and in the community. The new hires and internal advancements bring a wealth of experience, strategic expertise, and a shared vision for elevating the Lancer basketball program to new heights.

Elevating the Lancer Legacy: Longwood's Coaching Roster Strengthened

Welcoming Proven Talent: Matt Sholtis and Michael Crowder Join the Coaching Ranks

Longwood's head coach, Griff Aldrich, has made a strategic move to bolster his coaching staff with the additions of Matt Sholtis and Michael Crowder. Sholtis, a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success, joins the team as an Assistant Coach, bringing his expertise and leadership to the program. Crowder, known for his mentorship and character-building initiatives, has been named the Managing Director of Culture Formation and Program Development, a role that will be instrumental in shaping the team's culture and guiding the personal growth of the players.Sholtis' impressive resume includes stints at Vanderbilt and James Madison, where he played a pivotal role in the Dukes' most successful season in years, leading them to a school-record 32 wins and an NCAA Tournament appearance. His experience in video operations, scouting, and program management will be invaluable assets to the Lancer coaching staff.Crowder's journey with the Lancer basketball program began in 2020 when he served as a character coach, providing mentorship and guidance to the players. His work in integrating character-building initiatives into the program has been widely praised, and his new role will allow him to deepen his impact on the team's development both on and off the court.

Promoting from Within: Elevating the Coaching Ranks

In addition to the new hires, Aldrich has also announced the promotion of several members of his existing coaching staff. Myo Baxter-Bell has been elevated to Assistant Coach-Player Development, Odri Dedolli has been named Assistant Coach-Analytics & Technology, and Joe Lupetin has been promoted to Assistant Coach-Administration.These internal advancements reflect the program's commitment to nurturing and empowering its coaching talent, ensuring a cohesive and well-rounded team that can drive the Lancers to new levels of success.

Building a Championship Culture: Longwood's Vision for the Future

Aldrich's enthusiasm for the new additions and promotions is palpable, as he emphasizes the importance of having a strong and dedicated coaching staff to support the program's growth. "At Longwood Basketball, we firmly believe our program will only be as strong as our people," Aldrich stated. "Both Matt and Michael are extremely high-caliber men who will significantly impact our program and community for years to come."The Lancer men's basketball team is poised to defend their Big South Championship in the upcoming season, and the strengthened coaching staff is expected to play a pivotal role in their continued success. With the combination of veteran expertise, strategic analytics, and a renewed focus on player development and character-building, the Lancers are well-positioned to cement their status as a force to be reckoned with in the conference and beyond.As the Lancer faithful eagerly await the start of the new season, they can take comfort in the knowledge that their beloved team is in the hands of a coaching staff that is committed to excellence, both on and off the court. The future of Longwood basketball has never looked brighter.