Mikey Coppersmith Appointed as Interim Head Men's Basketball Coach at the University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine Department of Athletics has welcomed a familiar face to its ranks, as Mikey Coppersmith returns to the Gorham campus as the Interim Head Men's Basketball Coach. Coppersmith, a seasoned basketball coach with a wealth of experience, steps in to fill the void left by the departure of former coach Rob Sanicola, who resigned this summer to pursue an opportunity with the NBA's G-League.

Elevating the Huskies' Basketball Program to New Heights

A Homecoming for a Proven Leader

Mikey Coppersmith's appointment as the Interim Head Men's Basketball Coach at the University of Southern Maine marks a homecoming for the talented coach. Coppersmith, a former assistant coach at Colby College, UMaine Farmington, and the University of Southern Maine, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the program to his new role. His familiarity with the Huskies' basketball program, coupled with his proven track record of success, make him the ideal candidate to lead the team forward.

Cultivating a Culture of Excellence

Coppersmith's enthusiasm for his new position is palpable, as he expressed his excitement to work with the talented group of student-athletes at the University of Southern Maine. "I'm thrilled to be back at USM and working with such a talented group of student-athletes," said Coppersmith. "I'm eager to contribute to the program's growth, helping the team reach its full potential both on and off the court. I can't wait to get started and I'm excited for what's ahead."

A Proven Track Record of Success

Coppersmith's coaching experience spans a diverse range of high-level basketball programs, including his time as an assistant coach at Colby College, UMaine Farmington, and the University of Southern Maine. Since 2020, he has also served as the CEO and Director of Next Level Athletics, where he has worked with athletes competing across all NCAA levels. Most recently, Coppersmith was a member of the Colby College coaching staff, where he was involved in all facets of the program, leading national recruitment initiatives, overseeing basketball operations, game-day scouting and analysis, and off-season and individual one-on-one training sessions.

Developing Exceptional Student-Athletes

Coppersmith's ability to develop players has been a hallmark of his coaching career. During his time at UMaine Farmington, he played critical roles in game planning, monitoring academic progress, and one-on-one development sessions. His efforts resulted in the development of a 2022 preseason All-American, two 1000-point scorers, and All-North Atlantic Conference selections. At Southern Maine, Coppersmith worked alongside former coach Rob Sanicola, contributing to the team's achievement of its best win total in more than 30 seasons with 16 wins in 2022-23.

Recruiting Talent and Building a Winning Culture

Coppersmith's expertise extends beyond player development, as he has also demonstrated his prowess as a talented recruiter. During his time at Southern Maine, he played a crucial role in recruiting seven student-athletes from underrepresented states for the 2023-2024 season. Additionally, he helped coach two players to All-Little East Conference and Maine Men's Basketball All-State honors, as well as one LEC All-Defensive selection.

A Commitment to Academic Excellence

Mikey Coppersmith's dedication to the student-athlete experience extends beyond the basketball court. A 2022 graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor's degree in Communication and a minor in Race & Ethnic Studies, Coppersmith is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Leadership Studies at the same institution, with an anticipated graduation in the Spring of 2025. This commitment to lifelong learning and personal development aligns perfectly with the University of Southern Maine's mission of fostering well-rounded, successful student-athletes.

A Bright Future for the Huskies

Interim Director of Athletics Mike Keller expressed his confidence in Coppersmith's ability to lead the Huskies' men's basketball program, stating, "Mikey is an outstanding addition to our department, and is the right choice to keep Huskies' men's basketball moving in the right direction. Mikey is a talented recruiter and a dedicated student of the sport." With Coppersmith's wealth of experience, proven track record of success, and unwavering commitment to player development and academic excellence, the University of Southern Maine's men's basketball program is poised to reach new heights under his leadership.