Senior Director of Athletics Dr. Nicole Annaloro announced Rich Shayewitz as head coach of the men’s basketball team after running all basketball operations at SSU and serving as the head coach for both the women’s and men’s programs.

Shayewitz has been at the forefront of Sonoma State athletics for almost 20 years. He takes on this new role after serving as the Director of Basketball. Shayewitz took over as head coach of the men’s team in June 2020, having spent the previous three seasons as head coach of the women’s basketball team.

According to Sonoma Athletics, Dr. Annaloro said, “Rich has had proven success with both our men’s and women’s basketball programs spanning more than 20 years. He coaches with integrity and pride and has a unique ability to balance the student-athlete experience in a dynamic climate of change in college athletics.”

Shayewitz was appointed interim Director of Basketball following the retirement of men’s basketball coach Pat Fuscaldo and the start of COVID-19, making him the head coach for both the men’s and women’s programs at SSU. “Coach Shayewitz has an extensive history with Sonoma State basketball and is the ideal candidate to fulfill this role during these unprecedented times,” said Annaloro.

According to the Sonoma State News biography on Rich Shayewitz, he began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the SSU men’s basketball team in 2000. He held that position until 2006, when he was picked to be the associate head coach. Shayewitz served as the associate head coach for 11 seasons, guiding the Seawolves to four NCAA Tournament bids and six CCAA Tournament appearances. This included this past season when the Seawolves were named the NCAA Division II statistical champion in scoring defense and field goal percentage defense, allowing opponents to score 57.8 points per game, a nation-best. He was also acknowledged for his contribution to the team’s 2005-06 CCAA Championship run and six subsequent CCAA tournament participation.

On top of this, Shayewitz has been the Academic and Eligibility Student-Athlete Advisor for the SSU athletic department for numerous years, in addition to his work on the court. He also has two Master’s degrees, one in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga and one in Business from Sonoma State. This marks history, as Shayewitz becomes the sixth head coach in the program’s 37-year history.

According to Sonoma State News,  Shayewitz said, “I am so grateful to President Judy K. Sakaki and Director of Athletics Nicole Annaloro for the incredible opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at Sonoma State. I’m excited for what lies ahead as I can focus on building the program and creating an incredible experience for our student-athletes. Additionally, I cannot wait to connect with our alumni and bridge the gap with the old and new and grow the Sonoma State Basketball family.”

Having had a less than ideal season this year, Coach Shayewitz looks forward to the 2022-2023 season and has great aspirations to take this team to the next level.