Mark Jensen, former Assistant Coach for Men’s Basketball for the past twelve years was moved into the Interim Head Coaching Position following the stepping down of former Head Coach Rock Carter.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead our Men’s Basketball program going forward,” Jensen stated. “It’s something I’ve dreamed of for a long time and something Coach Carter has prepared me for during the twelve years we’ve been together. I am grateful to President Sharon Herzberger, Rob Coleman and Rock Carter for having faith in me and the vision to take this program into its next phase, and I can’t wait to get started with this fantastic group of young men.”
Mark played junior college basketball at Cypress College from 1996-97 before transferring to Whittier in 1998, where he finished his playing career under Coach Carter.
In 2000, he graduated from Whittier College with a degree in History before becoming the assistant men’s coach at Cypress College from 2000-01. He then moved to Washington where he pursued his Masters in History, while coaching alongside former NBA All-Star Craig Ehlo at Rogers High School whom he credits for influencing the way he approaches teaching the details of the game.
From 2002-04, Mark returned to Southern California where he began coaching at Rio Hondo Junior College under head coach Steve Hebert. Then since 2007, he served as the assistant coach for the Whittier College Men’s Basketball team, while obtaining his Masters in Education.
Then in 2008, he was then named the Director of Intramurals and Recreation, which is a position he currently holds.
“There is no one that knows our Men’s Basketball program better than Mark,” explained Robert Coleman, Executive Director of Athletics. “As an alumnus of the college he cares deeply about the program and as an assistant coach for the past twelve years he has worked extremely hard for this opportunity. I am excited for him and I know he will set the bar high and dedicate his energy and focus to Poet basketball.”
Mark and his wife Emily currently reside in Brea, Calif. with their three children Devon, Drew, and Jordan.
http://www.wcpoets.com/sports/mbkb/2016-17/releases/20170417u44rpl
