Oberlin College Associate Vice President for Athletics Advancement and Delta Lodge Director of Athletics & Physical Education Natalie Winkelfoos announced that there will be a change in leadership within the men’s basketball program as Isaiah Cavaco is departing the institution. 

“I am honored to have served so many amazing people in my time at Oberlin College,” Cavaco said. “I appreciate the countless experiences we shared, relationships we formed, and successes we celebrated together.  While it’s hard to say goodbye, I know it is the right time for me to pursue other paths in my life and for the program to thrive with a new voice of leadership.  Thank you to so many folks that have contributed to the growth of the program and the individuals that continue to make us all proud.”

During his tenure, Cavaco mentored over 20 All-NCAC honorees and 12 1,000 point scorers. In 2019-20 he led the Yeomen to a 15-12 season, which included eight conference wins and a trip to the NCAC Tournament Semifinals. 

In seven of the last nine seasons, Cavaco led the Yeomen into the postseason and he produced double-digit wins in five of the last seven years. From 2017-18 through 2019-20, Oberlin totaled 40 wins, marking the best three-year stretch in program history. The 2018-19 squad registered nine NCAC wins, which is the most since the formation of the conference. 

This past season the Yeomen finished 6-18 overall and 4-14 in the NCAC, placing ninth in the league and missing out on the postseason. Oberlin earned two conference wins over last-place Kenyon, defeated sixth-place DePauw, and first-place Wabash. 

Throughout the years, Cavaco’s teams set single-season program records in scoring defense, free throws, and 3-point shooting. 

“Coach Cavaco is leaving our program poised for more successes,” Winkelfoos said. “We have a great deal of respect for the time and energy Isaiah has poured into our men’s basketball program. His integrity and contributions to our community will always be valued.”

Cavaco began as a Yeoman assistant coach from 2004-2006 and became the interim head coach for the 2006-2007 season before taking over in 2007.  Prior to his arrival at Oberlin, he played his collegiate basketball at Yale University and made coaching stops at Ohio University, Yale University and John Carroll University.  

A national search for his successor will begin immediately. 

https://goyeo.com/news/2022/3/4/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-to-change-leadership.aspx