Following up on something that HoopDirt.com first reported last night (D2 DIRT), Brett Rector has officially been named as the new head men’s basketball coach at Salem University (WVa). Here is the official release from the university:
Salem University Athletic Director Steve Potts has announced University of Charleston Head Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Brett Rector as the new head coach of the men’s basketball program.
With the departure of former head coach Robert Ford, who left to become head coach at St. Xavier University in Illinois, Coach Rector, a Ravenswood, WV native, becomes the eighth head men’s basketball coach in Salem University history.
“Our Search Committee fielded unprecedented interest in our men’s head basketball coaching position,and we spoke to an impressive pool of candidates. However, through the process, it became clear that Coach Rector is ready and has the passion, coaching background, drive and experience to lead our men’s basketball program to continued success in the future. After speaking to leaders Dr. Bren Stevens, Athletic Director and Dwaine Osborne, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, at the University of Charleston, it was clear that he played a significant part in the success of their program, both on and off the court and that he is ready to take on this challenge. Coach Rector comes highly recommended and well respected in the industry” stated Director of Athletics Steve Potts.
“With my Division II background and being from West Virginia, this was a perfect fit for me and my family at this time. The university and vision aligned with my core values, and I feel like this is a great place that has the right assets to become a staple in the Atlantic Region” stated Rector.
Rector was integral in many facets of the basketball program at University of Charleston, including the recruiting and coaching four all-conference players during the 2020-2021 season. Charleston was the Mountain East Regular season champions with a 13-2 record and earned the #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the Atlantic Region.
Potts added “We are proud of our men’s program. Beginning with Coach Williams and then Coach Ford, we have taken our program from an average of 3 wins per season in years 2015-2018 to an average of more than 17 wins per season. It was important to us to find a coach who would continue the rise of our program. Coach Rector will not only elevate our men’s basketball program, but he will elevate our entire athletic department. He has a clear focus and cares for his players, not only athletically but also academically.”
Rector has twelve years of collegiate coaching experience which includes stops at University of Charleston, Eastern Kentucky University (Women’s), University of Pikeville (Associate Head Coach), and West Virginia Tech.
While at the University of Pikeville, Rector was instrumental in the team winning the 2011 NAIA DI National Championship. As the top assistant, Rector was a part of a 30-win season and recruited two future professional players that were All-American’s during the national championship run.
Before his coaching career began, Rector had a successful playing career at Davis & Elkins College. He scored over 1200 points in his career including 300 3-Point field goals and led the country in 3-point field goals per game his junior year. Rector was a three-year captain for the Senators and earned All-WVIAC in 2007 and 2008. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from D&E in 2008, and M.S in Sports Management from WVU in 2009.
“My vision for this program is to grow people, set records, and win championships, in that order. In starts with building a staff and investing in the student-athletes that are here, to take Salem to the next level” added Rector.
