Longwood Bolsters Basketball Coaching Staff with Seasoned Additions and Promotions

Longwood University's men's basketball program has undergone a significant restructuring, with the announcement of new hires and internal promotions that aim to elevate the team's performance and community impact. Head coach Griff Aldrich has assembled a dynamic coaching staff, bringing in experienced professionals and recognizing the contributions of existing members, all with the goal of propelling the Lancers to new heights.

Elevating the Longwood Basketball Legacy

Welcoming Seasoned Coaches to the Fold

Longwood's men's basketball program has welcomed two new additions to its coaching staff, each bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Matt Sholtis joins the team as an Assistant Coach, boasting an impressive background that includes roles at Vanderbilt and James Madison University. During his time at JMU, Sholtis played a pivotal role in the Dukes' most successful season in years, helping the team secure a school-record 32 wins and an NCAA Tournament berth. Prior to that, he honed his skills in various capacities within the men's basketball program at the University of Charlotte.Complementing Sholtis' arrival is the addition of Michael Crowder, who has been named the Managing Director—Culture Formation and Program Development. Crowder's journey with the Longwood basketball community began in 2020, when he served as a character coach, providing mentorship and guidance to players and coaches. In this new role, Crowder will be dedicated to the core priority of transforming the lives of the staff and players, as well as the broader community.

Recognizing Internal Talent and Dedication

Alongside the new hires, Aldrich also announced the promotions of several existing members of the coaching staff. Myo Baxter-Bell has been elevated to the position of 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 promotions reflect the program's commitment to nurturing and rewarding the dedication and expertise of its existing staff. By empowering these individuals, Longwood Basketball aims to create a cohesive and well-rounded coaching team that can drive the program's continued growth and success.

Building a Championship-Caliber Program

Coach Aldrich expressed his enthusiasm for the new additions and promotions, stating, "At Longwood Basketball, we firmly believe our program will only be as strong as our people. Both Matt and Michael are extremely high-caliber men who will significantly impact our program and community for years to come." This sentiment underscores the program's dedication to assembling a coaching staff that not only possesses the necessary skills and experience but also embodies the values and vision that will propel the Lancers towards their ultimate goal: building a championship-caliber program.The Longwood men's basketball team is poised to embark on a new era of excellence, with a revitalized coaching staff that brings a wealth of expertise, a commitment to player development, and a deep understanding of the importance of community engagement. As the Lancers take the court, their supporters can look forward to witnessing the fruits of this strategic restructuring, as the team strives to reach new heights and cement its place among the elite programs in the region and beyond.