Al Sokaitis Named Head Men's Basketball Coach at Post University
WATERBURY, Conn. (May 13, 2010) Post University announced on Thursday that veteran college basketball coach
Al Sokaitis has been named Head Coach of Post University's Men's Basketball program. Sokaitis brings more than 20 years of collegiate-level coaching experience and has served as a private instructor for NBA Players.
“Al has a track record of success and is an accomplished coach at the college level,” said Anthony Fallacaro, Post University Athletic Director. “His experience and ability to connect with the community will have an incredible impact on our student-athletes. He is a proven winner both on and off the court, making him a perfect fit for our growing University.”
Sokaitis has taken three different programs to six conference championships and seven NCAA Tournaments, including advancing to two regional finals. Sokaitis has been named Coach of the Year 11 times throughout his career, and was named NCAA National Coach of the Month twice. Additionally, Sokaitis has defeated eight Division I programs with a Division II team.
“My philosophy is not simply coaching this Post University basketball team, it is coaching a program that includes academics in conjunction with athletics,” said Sokaitis. “It is not only about being a good player on the floor, but also learning how to handle life in general, which is the key to success later in life.”
In addition to coaching five different college basketball programs including Western State College, Alaska Fairbanks, University of Southern Maine, and North Adams State College, Sokaitis coached the Alaska Dream in the ABA for one season. The Dream started the season ranked 24th and improved to become the second ranked team nationally.
Sokaitis has served as lead clinician at 13 consecutive NCAA Division I Final Fours, and most recently worked individually with David Lee of the New York Knicks who is now scoring more than 20 points per game in the NBA.
“Winning is not about my system, it's about fitting players into a style of play where they can be successful,” added Sokaitis. “Our team goal will be to win the league and the NCAA's, which calls for commitment, heart, and basketball IQ."
Off the court, Sokaitis' resume is just as impressive, said Fallacaro. He has served as the United Way State Chairman in Alaska, was elected to Alaska's Special Olympics Board of Directors, has served as a motivational speaker for the United States Army, and currently serves as the co-director of the Challenge Life Youth Foundation.
Sokaitis will be taking over the Post University Eagles Men's Basketball program after a 13-17 (9-9 CACC) season.
