By Andrew Chirico
Elm Staff Wrter
The Washington College men’s basketball team is heading into their upcoming season with new Head Coach Aaron Goodman.
After serving nine seasons as an assistant coach for the United States Naval Academy, Goodman is headed to Chestertown looking to lead the WC men’s basketball team to a winning season. The team announced the new hire after parting ways with former head coach Rob Nugent in March.
Prior to Goodman’s veteran role at the Naval Academy, the Maryland native spent four years as an assistant coach at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. He had a great impact on recruitment and player development at Marymount through improving team academic standards and effective fundraising.
While working for the Naval Academy, Goodman took on a much larger role outside of just coaching. His responsibilities included opponent scouting, player development, community and alumni outreach, and much more. Most importantly, he gained valuable experience as the head coach for Navy’s junior varsity team. With full control of the JV team, Goodman had much success as he went 27-16 in his past three seasons.
“I was fortunate to work for two great mentors in Coaches Ed DeChellis and Billy Lange who gave me the opportunity to grow and expand my role as an assistant coach. I was responsible for all aspects of program operations, recruiting, and coaching, so I feel very comfortable handling these responsibilities,” said Goodman.
After WC finished 4-21 last season, Goodman and the team are excited to change the culture and head into the right direction.
“Success does not happen overnight, and there will be new expectations, and a change in definition of a WC men’s basketball student-athlete. It is not easy to be a college athlete and it takes dedication and commitment to be a successful one who is part of a winning program. As we develop and mentor our current players and add new recruits with these ideals, the program will grow in a positive direction.”
Returning sophomore Tas Dixon is optimistic about the change. “Coach wants to change the WC men’s basketball team as a culture. Meaning there will be standards to bring the most out of all the players,” said Dixon. “Just talking to him on the phone I get a good feeling that there are good things to come for WC men’s basketball.”
Sophomore Joey Shelton shares Dixon’s opinion. “I also think that with the new coach the culture of our basketball team will change for the better and make a lasting impact for years to come for the program,” said Shelton.
The Goodman era begins Friday, Nov. 13 at the Widener Tipoff Tournament in Chester, Penn. The home opener takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 24 against Centennial Conference rival Haverford.