Men's Basketball

Coach Rhys Thieriot joined the University of La Verne men’s basketball coaching staff in 2012 and brings to the Leopards' squad a decade worth of basketball coaching experience. 

 

A San Franciso native, Thieriot attended Emerson College in Boston where he was a member of the Lions' men's basketball team, first as a team manager and later worked his way onto the court as a player. In his four years at Emerson the team played in three GNAC championship games and in Thieriot’s senior season, the Lions led the NCAA with the highest team field goal percentage. The experience of learning from former Emerson College head coach Hank Smith's teachings of unselfish basketball and supportive team culture inspired Thieriot to pursue his own coaching career.

 

After graduating from Emerson College with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Studies, Thieriot worked as a player development intern at Attack Athletics in Chicago working with Tim Grover (Michael Jordan’s former physical trainer) and Mike Procopio (Dallas Mavericks Director of Player Development). Thieriot learned new approaches to basketball skill development while assisting with NBA players' off-season workouts.

 

Thieriot returned to San Francisco to begin his basketball coaching career at his alma mater, The Drew School. Following coaching opportunities at The Drew School and Lowell High School, Thieriot earned his first head coaching opportunity at The Bay School, reaching the division championship in his first year. 

 

During his tenure on the Leopards' coaching staff, Thieriot has worked in a number of roles including Director of Recruiting, Perimeter Player Position Coach, and scout. 

 

Thieriot is currently pursuing his MBA at the University of La Verne. He is supported by his wife Jessica and their bulldog Rudy.