After playing a key role in the University of Mary men’s basketball impressive turnaround this past season, Karl Sorby is leaving the Marauders coaching staff after three seasons on the bench to serve as the assistant coach at Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska.
The Central Raiders are an NJCAA Division 2 institution that competes in Region IX. CCC finished last season with a record of 14-15.
“I am pleased to hire Karl as my assistant coach,” said Raiders head coach Jerry Drymon. “He brings experience from two successful program and is skilled in player development and recruiting, which is what I was looking for. I believe his attitude, knowledge and work ethic will allow him to have a great career at Central Community College.”
Sorby joined the Marauders as an assistant coach in 2013 and became the U-Mary graduate assistant coach in 2014, serving in that position the past two seasons.
During a coaching change following the 2015 season, Sorby provided leadership and stability to keep the squad intact until current Marauders head coach Joe Kittell was brought on board.
This past season the Marauders improved by ten wins overall to 19 total, jumped five slots in the Northern Sun standings, and advanced to the NSIC tournament semifinals for only the second time in ten seasons competing at the NCAA Division II level.
“We are very happy for Coach Sorby,” said Kittell. “Central Community College got a good one. Karl did a great job in his three years with the program and he will be very much missed. I’m excited to see where his career takes him, but I hope he always knows he will have a special place in the University of Mary men’s basketball program.”
Sorby, who earned his master’s degree in Sports and Physical Education Administration from the University of Mary this spring, already has started recruiting for CCC and will move to Columbus in August.
A native of Valley City, N.D., Sorby graduated from his hometown college of Valley City State University in 2013. He began his collegiate coaching career with Vikings, serving as a student assistant for three seasons. During Sorby’s tenure at VCSU the Vikings won 50 games – including two 20 win seasons – and had an NAIA National Tournament appearance.
In addition to his collegiate coaching experiences, Sorby has served as a camp director for Midwest Elite Basketball and worked several NCAA Division 1 summer camps, including University of South Dakota, University of North Dakota, and North Dakota State University.
Photo Courtesy UMary Athletics
