University of Delaware Women’s Basketball Names Tom Lochner as New Assistant Coach
July 14, 2011
Photo Courtesy of La Salle University
NEWARK, Del. -- Tom Lochner, who previously spent 23 seasons as La Salle University in Philadelphia, including six years as head coach, has been named an assistant coach for the Blue Hen women’s basketball staff, head coach Tina Martin announced Thursday.
Lochner (at right), who stepped down as La Salle’s head coach following the 2009-10 season, replaces Mark McCaleb, who left the UD staff after one season to pursue other opportunities.
“We are thrilled to have Tom joining our staff,” said Martin, who will begin her 16th season as head coach this season. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and recruiting ties that will really help our program. I have known Tom for over 20 years and have a tremendous amount respect for him as a person and as a coach.“
At Delaware, Lochner will join a staff that includes Martin, longtime associate head coach Jeanine Radice, and assistant coach Tiara Malcom. Martin has led the Blue Hens to a 15-year record of 278-175, including NCAA Tournament appearances in 2001 and 2007, six Women’s National Invitation Tournament berths, and nine 20-win seasons.
This past season the Blue Hens posted a mark of 20-14 and advanced all the way to the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament title game as the No. 7 seed before falling to top seed James Madison in the finals. The Hens advanced to the WNIT, falling to eventual tournament champion Toledo 58-55 in the opening round.
Delaware will enter the 2011-12 season as one of the league favorites as the Hens lost just one senior - Eva Riddick - and return all five starters, including two-time All-American Elena Delle Donne and All-CAA guard Lauren Carra. Delle Donne, who averaged 25.3 points per game despite missing 12 games with Lyme Disease a year ago, will represent the United States in the World University Games in China in August.
“I'm very excited to be a part of the University of Delaware women's basketball coaching staff,” said Lochner, who last year worked as a substitute elementary school teacher and served as assistant girl’s basketball coach under head coach Diana Caramanico at Penn Charter High School in Philadelphia, leading the squad to a 20-win season. “I have an extremely high level of respect for what this program has been able to accomplish under Coach Martin and her staff. I hope to be able to contribute in some way to the future success of the program.”
Lochner holds two degrees from Temple University, a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1989 and a master’s in sports management in 1997. He also earned a master's degree in education from La Salle in 2006.
He served on the basketball staff for 23 seasons at La Salle, including the final six as head coach as he put together a record of 72-101. He was first hired as a volunteer assistant for the 1987-88 season under John Miller before being promoted to assistant head coach in 1989 and then associate head coach in 1998. He became the head coach in August, 2004, replacing Miller who resigned.
Lochner enjoyed his finest season as head coach at LaSalle in 2006-07 when he led the Explorers to 19 wins, the most by the school in over a decade, and earned Big Five Coach of the Year honors. The team started out 7-0 to tie a school record, won nine games on the road for the first time since 1991-92, and matched the school’s best ever home mark at Tom Gola Arena with a record of 10-3.
The journey for Lochner at La Salle began when he joined the Explorers coaching staff in 1987 serving as a volunteer assistant for two seasons. After gaining full-time coaching status in 1989, he remained as an assistant coach until the 1998-99 season, when he was promoted to associate head coach.
During his 17 years at La Salle prior to his head coaching stint, Lochner had been part of 296 La Salle victories (296-196 overall). He had also been with the team for two NCAA Tournament appearances, one WNIT Tournament appearance, three conference titles, four Big 5 titles, and five 20-win seasons.
Lochner started his coaching career in his hometown of Schenectady, N.Y. at his alma mater, Bishop Gibbons High School. He coached the girls basketball team from 1980-87, with his first three seasons guiding the junior varsity squad and the last four as the varsity head coach.
During his varsity tenure, Bishop Gibbons posted an 88-13 record and captured the 1986 New York State Championships (Large Division) with a 26-2 record. His team also won three sectional titles, and Lochner was honored as New York State Section II Coach of the Year twice - in 1985 and 1986.
In addition to coaching at the high school and college levels, Lochner has extensive summer camp experience, teaching basketball fundamentals to young athletes. He is also actively involved in alumni and booster fundraising activities.
Lochner, wife Beth, son Curtis, and daughter Samantha, reside in Willow Grove, Pa.
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