Athletic Director Erick Hart elevated Joe Clarke to full-time head coach of Brockport’s men’s basketball program on Thursday. Clarke served this past season as the interim head coach for the Golden Eagles. Clarke, previously Brockport’s associate head coach prior to the retirement of longtime coach Greg Dunne in 2023, has been on the Brockport staff since 2009 and has played a major role in helping to guide one of the most successful programs in the SUNYAC for the past 15 years.
“I am extremely honored to be named the head men’s basketball coach at Brockport! While this year was truly special, I am excited to continue my coaching career at a place I have called home since 2004,” said Clarke. “Thanks to my family, players & staff, Brockport alum, as well as, Brockport’s administration for all of the support given, sacrifices made and the trust they have in my leadership.”
Clarke led the Golden Eagles to a 16-9 overall record this past season and a second-place tie in the SUNYAC regular season standings. The Golden Eagles hosted first round action in the SUNYAC Tournament, marking their 23rd consecutive conference tournament selection. Three Golden Eagles were named SUNYAC All-Conference selections while Danny Ashley earned Defensive Player of the Year honors and Caquan Wester earned SUNYAC Rookie of the Year for his efforts.
Clarke has played a key role in three SUNYAC Championships for Brockport dating back to 2008-09 when Brockport won the conference crown during his senior season as a student-athlete. As a coach he played a major role in the 2013-14 and 2019-20 conference tournament crowns. Since he began coaching as an assistant for Brockport in 2009, the Golden Eagles have compiled 252 victories in 15 seasons.
“We are thrilled to officially remove the interim tag and welcome Joe Clarke as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at SUNY Brockport. Joe’s unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to our program over the past 15 years, coupled with his deep understanding of the game, make him the ideal leader for our team,” said AD Erick Hart. “From his early days as a player to his recent role as interim head coach, Joe has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a true leader and mentor. This appointment not only recognizes his exceptional coaching acumen but also reinforces our commitment to fostering the growth and success of our student-athletes. We look forward to an exciting new chapter under Joe’s guidance as we continue to strive for excellence on and off the court.”
As an assistant/associate head coach, he has guided the Golden Eagles to four SUNYAC Championship game appearances as well as 12 SUNYAC Tournament semifinals since 2009-10. Brockport has been above .500 each season since he joined the coaching staff and the Golden Eagles have won 17 or more games in nine of the last 14 seasons.
In 2019-20, he helped guide the Golden Eagles to the Sweet 16 and posted the second most wins in a single-season in program history (26), but the storied run was cut short due to the pandemic as Brockport was set to host Tufts in mid-March.
“I look forward to creating new memories, adding to what I have already established and continuing to provide an atmosphere/culture that reflects the phrase of what matters most, “we are family.”, said Clarke.
Clarke was a three-year student-athlete of the Golden Eagles from 2006-09. The Liverpool, N.Y. native finished his career with 437 points, 205 rebounds and 80 steals. He was part of the 2006-07 team that went to the NCAA Elite Eight, the 2007-08 ECAC Upstate Championship team and the 2008-09 SUNYAC Championship team. Clarke was selected to the 2009 Chase Tournament All-Tournament Second Team and the 2009 SUNYAC All-Tournament Team. He was also a member of the SUNYAC All-Academic Team from 2007-09.
Additionally, Clarke serves as an adjunct professor for the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education and also works in Academic Advisement assisting with freshman registration in the summer.
Clarke graduated from Brockport with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and also earned his Master’s in Athletic Administration from Brockport in 2014.
