The Fort Lewis College men’s basketball program has added associate head coach James Jansen to its staff ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, head coach Jordan Mast announced afternoon.
“My family and I couldn’t be more excited about coming to Fort Lewis,” Jansen shared. “Jordan and I have coached against each other many times over the years and to be able to share the sideline with him and work together will be fun! Fort Lewis has a lot of history and success, and I look forward to helping carry that on here with Coach Mast. Part of what made the decision an easy one is when you see not just the school support, the facilities, and resources but the community of Durango makes this place special and is full of people who want to help us be successful and take a lot of pride in Fort Lewis.”
Jansen makes his jump to the NCAA Division II level after serving as the head coach at Treasure Valley Community College over the past two seasons. Jansen guided the Chukars to a 23-7 overall record in 2023-24 and clinched the program’s first Northwest Athletic Conference East Region Regular Season Championship since 2013-14 with a 13-1 mark in league play. In addition to being named the East Region Coach of the Year, Jansen’s roster also boasted a trio of all-region talents including East Region Defensive Player of the Year Ashraf Barsham.
“James is a huge addition to our staff,” Mast said. “Everywhere he has gone, he has had a major impact. Having coached against him at the NAIA level, I have witnessed first-hand how dedicated he is to his players and program. I followed him over the last two years as he turned a struggling junior college program into one of the top teams in the NWAC. In addition to his success on the court, James is a family man who cares about his players and shares the same vision for graduating champions. I could not be more thrilled to welcome James and his family to Fort Lewis College and Durango, Colorado.”
Prior to his time at Treasure Valley, Jansen also had coaching stints at the College of Idaho (2020-22), where he helped guide the Yotes to a program record 32 wins and an Elite Eight appearance in the NAIA National Tournament, Simpson University (2017-20), Ponderosa High School (2014-17), and Folsom High School (2011-12). As a player, Jansen competed for two seasons at Bethany University.
Jansen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Sacramento State University (2014) and completed his Masters in Sports & Athletic Administration at Concordia University Irvine (2018). Jansen is joined in Durango by his wife Ashlee and their three kids with another on the way.
Fort Lewis College names Jansen Associate Head Basketball Coach
