David Muchnick has been named Maine Maritime’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Director of Athletics Steve Peed announced Wednesday.
"Being a head college basketball coach has been a lifelong dream of mine, and to be able to do it at such a special place like Castine and the Maine Maritime Academy is truly an honor," Muchnick said. "Excited doesn’t even begin to describe my emotions as I think about the championship voyage that our program is about to begin on."
"I am incredibly excited to welcome David on board," Peed said. "His boundless energy and enthusiasm along with his commitment to developing his students on and off of the court make him a great fit for our team, our department and our campus."
Muchnick spent the past four seasons at Merchant Marine Academy as the Mariners assistant coach for three-and-half years and interim head coach since January. He was responsible for recruiting, offensive execution, scouting opponents, academic support and day-to-day operations of the men’s basketball program. He coached a player that was named Landmark Player of the Year and Honorable Mention Division III All-American, four All-Landmark First Team selections and three All-Landmark Second Team players. On the recruiting trail, Muchnick brought in a 10-person class in 2012 that represented nine different states.
Muchnick received Merchant Marine Academy’s Dr. Stephen "Bill" Omeltchenko Coach of the Year Award last year.
"I can’t say enough about the tremendous four years that I’ve spent at King’s Point and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy," Muchnick said. "The players I’ve worked with, staff I’ve learned from, and leadership I’ve been mentored by, will always be special to me. Because USMMA and Maine Maritime are such similar institutions, I know full well the daily rigors that our student-athletes face while they’re here, but also the lifelong success it leads to upon graduation. I absolutely cannot wait to get to work with our players, and begin working towards the ultimate goal of winning NAC Championships."
"David was the only candidate in the field that brought a full understanding of the very unique demands placed upon our regimental students," Peed said. " He has demonstrated that he knows how to deliver a positive student-athlete experience in that environment."
Muchnick assumed the head coaching position at Merchant Marine in January when the Mariners were 6-8. With Muchnick at the helm USMMA compiled a 6-6 record the remainder of the season, including victories in 6 of 7 games, and a berth in the Landmark Conference playoffs. Merchant Marine went 52-51 in Muchnick’s four seasons in Kings Point.
"David did a phenomenal job in a difficult situation as the Interim Head Coach down at King’s Point," Peed said. " He was able to create success by getting his players to buy in because he is a genuine leader and a genuine person. Our students are going to love coming to practice and competing for Coach Muchnick.
Prior to coaching at Merchant Marine Academy, Muchnick was the top assistant men’s basketball coach Denison University from 2008-2010. He recruited the 2009-10 NCAC Newcomer of the Year and was in charge of offensive execution, scouting, recruiting and perimeter development. Muchnick also served as the head men’s golf coach and guided his team to three Top-3 finishes.
Muchnick was the top assistant men’s basketball coach at SUNY Cortland from 2005-2008 and helped the Red Dragons to a 55-29 record during his tenure, highlighted by a NCAA Division III Tournament second round appearance in 2006. Cortland was the SUNY Athletic Conference regular season champion in 2005-06 and finished tied for the best season record in program history with a 24-5 record.
Muchnick is a 2005 graduate of SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. He was a four-year member of the basketball team and was a captain his senior season. Muchnick finished in the top 10 in program history with a 41.4% three-point percentage and helped his team go 60-47, including a 20-9 mark and ECAC Championship in 2003-04. Muchnick earned a Master of Science degree in Sports Management in 2008 from SUNY Cortland.
Muchnick will serve as Maine Maritime’s Intramural and Club Sports Director and will assume his role on July 7.
Stay with HoopDirt for the latest college basketball coaching news and rumors.
