Earlham College Athletics Director Mike Bergum announced that Jason Polykoff has been named the next men’s basketball head coach for the Quakers.

"Jason’s experience at a number of levels gives us confidence that he is a well-rounded coach and understands what it is going to take to become successful," Bergum said. "It is exciting to have Jason at the helm. He will be an integral part of the campus community and be valuable in building relationships with students."

Polykoff comes to Earlham after two seasons as an assistant at the University of Pennsylvania of the Ivy League, and five years as head coach of the Friends Central School, a secondary school near Philadelphia.

"I am extremely excited," Polykoff said. "The position at Earlham is one that can be successful. I’m really excited about getting starting and promoting Earlham and basketball."

Earlham President David Dawson was pleased about having Polykoff take over the men’s basketball program.

"I’m thrilled to welcome Jason Polykoff to Earlham," Dawson said. "From his deep commitment to the fundamentals of team-building, to his skills as a recruiter and coach, Jason has what it takes to lead our men’s basketball team forward to ever higher levels of competition."

"Jason is also an educator with a strong character and sense of mission," Dawson continued. "I know he’ll have a large and positive impact on the lives and futures of Earlham student-athletes."

Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kevin Klose, who is the Convener of the Athletic Advisory Committee, was captivated by Polykoff.

"Jason really impressed the committee with his intelligence, enthusiasm and familiarity with Earlham," Klose said. "He’s a quality guy, who is a proven winner. We are delighted that he has chosen to join the Earlham coaching staff."

Earlham Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator Kaitlin Leach, who served as the Convener of the search committee, was also impressed.

"After a thorough search process, we are thrilled to have Jason join the Earlham community," Leach said. "I feel Jason is an ideal fit for Earlham Athletics. He brings a strong track record of success on the court, in the classroom and in the community. After learning about his playing and coaching experience at both the collegiate and high school level, I am confident Jason can rebuild our men’s basketball program."

Prior to his Division I experience at Penn, in the five years Polykoff spent as head coach at Friends Central School, he won four straight Pennsylvania Independent Schools state titles from 2009-12. He posted a 113-28 record with the program.

"All of my experiences together with coaching high school and college student-athletes have prepared me for this position," Polykoff said. "The last two years at Penn and getting the opportunity to coach elite athletes at the Division I level and recruit on a national level are experiences that are invaluable."

"The last two years have prepared me more than anything for this position at Earlham," Polykoff continued. "I know what it takes to be successful and remain successful."

The 30-year old Polykoff graduated from Haverford College in 2006 with a degree in psychology with a minor in educational studies.

During his playing career at Haverford, Polykoff was the team captain as a senior and he finished in the top 10 in six different categories in the school’s record book. After his final season, he was named Haverford’s Most Valuable Player and selected as a Philadelphia Area Small College All-Star. Polykoff will also be honored later this spring with the Haverford College Young Alumni Award for Accomplishments in Leadership.

A native of Havertown, Pa., Polykoff is a 2002 graduate of Friends Central School, the same institution where he would later coach.

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