Longtime Head Coach of the Life Pacific University (LPU) Men’s Basketball program, Tim Cook, has stepped away from his position. This news follows the program’s most successful season since joining the NAIA and GSAC in 2018. The Warriors finished the season 12-10 overall and 6-8 in conference play, narrowly missing the GSAC tournament after a two-point loss to Embry-Riddle on February 20. This season also marked a historic milestone for the program, as Vince Fier and Rico Hopping became the first players in LPU history to earn GSAC All-Conference honors.
Cook joined LPU in 2016, serving as both Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletics Director. In his first two seasons, he led the Warriors to back-to-back NCCAA National Tournament appearances (2016-17, 2017-18), along with two conference tournament titles and Western Regional championships. He played a key role in LPU’s transition to the NAIA and GSAC in 2018. Over 13 seasons as a collegiate head coach, Cook amassed an overall record of 121-179 while also competing in over 50 non-counting exhibitions against NCAA Division I and II programs.
This past season, the Warriors were invited to compete in the prestigious 58th Outrigger Rainbow Classic, hosted annually by NCAA Division I University of Hawaii. This marked the first time an LPU program participated in an NCAA D1-hosted tournament and positioned LPU as one of only two small-college programs nationwide to compete in a Division I event, alongside Chaminade University’s Maui Invitational.
Reflecting on his time at LPU, Coach Cook shared, “I want to express my deepest gratitude for the past decade at Life Pacific. This place means so much to me and my family. As I reflect, I realize now is the right time to turn the page and pursue other opportunities in basketball. I want to thank God first and foremost, as well as LPU President Dr. Angie Richey, Vice President George Bostanic, and my Athletic Director, Davis Nuaimi, for their support. I am also incredibly grateful to the LPU community for their love and encouragement as we’ve built something special together.”
Athletic Director Davis Nuaimi reflected on Cook’s legacy, stating, “You cannot think of LPU Athletics without thinking of Coach Tim Cook. He has poured his heart into this program over the last decade. Throughout my time serving with him, I’ve seen a man who puts the Lord first in all that he does—coaching as a mission, not just a job. His impact extends far beyond the court, as his focus has always been on discipling his players. This is a sad day for LPU as we say goodbye to an incredible coach and an even better man, but I am excited to see what God has in store for him and his family in this next chapter.”
Life Pacific University Athletics has launched a national search for its next Head Men’s Basketball Coach, effective immediately.
https://www.lpuwarriors.com/general/2024-25/releases/202503041q75e7
