After nearly two decades of impact, first as a student-athlete, then assistant, and finally as head coach, Peter Bond is stepping away from the Azusa Pacific men’s basketball program to become the next Athletic Director at Western Christian Schools in Upland, Calif.
Bond’s legacy is rooted deep within Cougar Basketball. He was named the sixth head coach in program history on May 1, 2019, following 11 years of service as an assistant coach and director of athletic development. He concludes his tenure with a wealth of memories and milestones, including Azusa Pacific’s first-ever PacWest Tournament title, three consecutive NCAA West Regional appearances, and a lasting impact on hundreds of student-athletes.
“Peter Bond has been an integral part of our basketball program and athletic department for nearly 20 years,” said Azusa Pacific Director of Athletics Gary Pine.
“He has served this university with unwavering commitment, humility, and a heart for discipleship through sport. His signature is on some of the most significant moments in our NCAA era. More than the wins, however, I deeply appreciate the man—the leader, the mentor, the friend. He has been an excellent sounding board for my leadership, and I admire his thoughtful, analytical mind. Western Christian is getting an outstanding leader, and while we will deeply miss Peter, we send him off with gratitude and immense pride.”
In his six seasons as head coach, Bond compiled a 101-59 overall record, highlighted by a standout debut season in 2019-20, when the Cougars finished 25-4 (20-2 PacWest), winning 20 straight conference games and finishing #6 in the final NABC Top 25. Though the pandemic cut that season short just before the NCAA Tournament, Bond was rightfully named PacWest Coach of the Year.
His teams continued to shine in the seasons that followed. In 2021-22, Bond led the Cougars to a 21-10 mark and an NCAA Tournament upset over No. 2-seed Point Loma. In 2022-23, APU finished 22-8, earning another NCAA West Regional berth. Most memorably, the 2023-24 Cougars made history as a No. 6 seed, becoming the lowest seed to win the PacWest Tournament and reaching the West Regional final with upsets over No. 1 Cal State LA and No. 5 Central Washington.
“Azusa Pacific has been more than a workplace—it’s been home,” said Bond. “From walking on campus as a student-athlete to stepping into the head coach’s office, this community has poured into me, shaped me, and blessed me beyond measure. I’m incredibly thankful to our players, staff, and colleagues who have shared this journey with me. While this next chapter is a new challenge, I leave with a full heart, knowing I’ve had the privilege to serve at a place that lives out its mission daily. I’m excited for what lies ahead at Western Christian, but I will always be a Cougar.”
Before taking the helm, Bond was a vital piece of the program’s transition to NCAA Division II, helping guide APU to back-to-back PacWest regular-season championships in 2015 and 2016 and the 2015 NCAA Division II Elite Eight. He played a pivotal role in the development of 16 all-conference players, including NAIA All-American Dominique Johnson, PacWest Player of the Year and D-II All-American Troy Leaf, and 2020 All-American Selom Mawugbe.
A former sharpshooter, Bond suited up for the Cougars from 2006–2008, known for his perimeter accuracy and timely contributions in postseason play. Off the court, he directed APU’s summer camps, managed recruiting efforts across the West Region, and helped shape the culture and competitive standard of Cougar Basketball, making it one of the premier programs in the west region of Division II.
A national search for Azusa Pacific’s next head men’s basketball coach will begin immediately.
