The San José State men’s basketball program and head coach Dave Wojcik have announced the addition of Ryan Cooper as the new director of basketball operations beginning with the 2016-17 season.

“After observing him coach locally at the high school level, Ryan is someone I’ve come to have great respect for,” Wojcik said. “It has always been very apparent to me that Ryan is a tireless worker who is extremely passionate about developing young men. He will relate very well to our players and we’re all looking forward to the energy and enthusiasm he will bring to our program.”

Cooper joins the Spartans after spending the previous two years as the varsity head boys basketball coach at San Jose’s Valley Christian High School. As the youngest coach in the West Catholic Athletic League, Cooper led the Warriors to success in 2015-16, including a Central Coast Section playoff win.

Prior to coaching at Valley Christian High, Cooper was the varsity head coach at Oak Grove High School (2013-14) and Del Mar High School (2008-12).

Alongside coaching, Cooper has done extensive work as a para educator at the high school level.

Last year, Cooper worked as a site supervisor for Autism Living Leisure & Education Inc. Among many duties, he primarily administered programs and services for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed students to improve function and provide an effective educational environment.

Cooper is a 2008 graduate of Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, Calif., with a bachelor’s degree in communications. The point guard finished his playing career fourth on NDNU’s career scoring list and second in career assists. He was an All-Pacific West Conference choice in three out of four seasons.

Cooper went on to earn a Master’s in education in 2015 from National University in San Diego, Calif.

Ryan is a proud native of San Jose, Calif.