The Sonoma State University athletic department has named Rich Shayewitz as the head coach of the men’s basketball program, as announced by Senior Director of Athletics Dr. Nicole Annaloro on Monday.
“Rich has had proven success with both our men’s and women’s basketball programs spanning more than 20 years,” Annaloro said. “He coaches with integrity and pride and has a unique ability to balance the student-athlete experience in a dynamic climate of change in college athletics.”
Shayewitz is a staple at Sonoma State, spending over 20 years on the sidelines for the Seawolves. He moves into this new position after spending last season at the helm of both the men’s and women’s programs as the Director of Basketball. Shayewitz took over that role in June of 2020 after spending the previous three seasons as head coach of the women’s team.
“I am so grateful to President Judy K. Sakaki and Director of Athletics, Nicole Annaloro for the incredible opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at Sonoma State,” Shayewitz said. I’m excited for what lies ahead as I can focus on building the program and creating an incredible experience for our student-athletes. Additionally, I cannot wait to connect with our alumni and bridge the gap with the old and new and grow the Sonoma State Basketball family.
Shayewitz began his coaching career in 2000 as an assistant coach for the SSU men’s basketball program, holding that role until 2006 when he was promoted to associate head coach. Shayewitz spent 11 seasons as the associate head coach, helping lead the Seawolves to four NCAA Tournament and six CCAA Tournament appearances.
In 2017, Shayewitz took the reins of the women’s basketball program that was coming off a 33-75 record over the previous four seasons. He immediately turned the program around, making the CCAA Tournament in his first season and followed that up with appearances in each of the next two seasons. After the 2020-21 season was canceled Shayewitz returned this year to lead the Seawolves to their fourth straight appearance in the conference tournament.
“Rich has demonstrated a commitment to the success of SSU basketball and a passion to cultivate our alumni relationships,” Annaloro added. “His strength as a recruiter will continue to build our men’s basketball program. We have full confidence in Rich’s ability to be successful as head coach of men’s basketball.”
Shayewitz came to Sonoma State University as an undergraduate in the fall of 1995 and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing in the spring of 2000. During that time, he volunteered as a student assistant coach on the SSU men’s basketball team. He also holds two master’s degrees; one in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, and Business Administration from Sonoma State.
“It has been an honor to serve as the women’s basketball coach for the past five seasons”, Shayewitz added. I want to thank all the student-athletes and coaches who I have been able to serve over the years and grow the program to a consistent defensive force in the league and a staple in the CCAA post-season. Your commitment to our culture is what made our program so special and I thank you all. I am truly excited for the bright future of the women’s basketball program and I am forever a fan.”
The Sonoma State athletic department is launching a national search for a new women’s basketball coach, information about the position is available online at https://employment.sonoma.edu/en-us/job/511734/womens-basketball-head-coach
What people are saying….
“As a huge supporter and an alum of SSU men’s basketball I am thrilled to see Rich named head men’s basketball coach. He has put so much time and energy into the program since he first got involved in the 1990’s. I can confidently say so many of us are happy to see this day has finally come. During my time at SSU it was obvious that Rich was a terrific coach, recruiter, and mentor, and since I graduated he has been the glue that holds the alumni together. He has kept us engaged and connected to the program. There was no better choice for this position than Rich, he is the person that will lead SSU men’s basketball to further success on and off the court.” – Former Sonoma State basketball player Kevin Christensen (’06)
“I’m very excited to hear that coach Rich is taking over the men’s basketball program at SSU. As a former player and current alumni, I can say he is the right man for the job and the program is in great hands. Rich cares for his players on and off the court and wants them to succeed in life just as much as they did on the hardwood. His passion for the game, his players and alumni is special. My success on the basketball court was because of Rich and I cherish those memories and his friendship to this day.” – Former Sonoma State basketball player J.T. Tipton (’07)
“I’ve known Rich since he was a student at Sonoma State and cannot think of a better choice. Rich has a deep knowledge of the game, a love for Seawolves Athletics, and most importantly, treats his student-athletes, fellow coaches and officials with the utmost respect. – Mitch Cox, CCAA Commissioner
“Congratulations to Coach Shayewitz on this new opportunity! He has been a member of the Asian Coaches Association for a number of years and has been gracious enough to share his knowledge with members of the association. We cannot wait to see you lead the Sonoma State program to new heights!” – Garrett Furubayashi, Director of Strategy, Asian Coaches Association
