Lamberti Accepts Head Coach Position At West Liberty

Coker Men's Basketball Head Coach Michael Lamberti has accepted the head coaching position at West Liberty, Coker Athletics Director Lynn Griffin announced Tuesday. 

Lamberti finished his second season leading Coker to one of their most successful seasons in the programs history. He led the team to a 19-10 (15-9) record which was best for a 3rd place regular season finish in the SAC. 

"I want to thank Michael for the leadership he has given to Coker men's basketball and Coker University, " said Griffin. "He brought Coker men's basketball back to the national spotlight and did that with excellence and integrity.  West Liberty is getting a great coach and person and we will miss Michael and his family."

During his two years at Coker, Michael has led Coker to a combined record of 34-24, making the SAC tournament in back to back season. He added consecutive seasons with a winning record in SAC play.  

"I want to thank Dr. Lynn Griffin, Dr. Natalie Harder and Coach Dan Schmotzer for giving me the opportunity to be the head coach at Coker. The last two years in Hartsville have given me and my family memories that will last forever. Coker has the resources to win and the program has taken strides in showing that these last two seasons. I am excited to continue to follow all that is Coker and will forever be a Cobra."

Lamberti coached the Cobras to a top 25 ranking for numerous weeks in the 2024-25 campaign, working their way to 17th nationally. The Cobras raced out to a 9-0 record during this stint. 

The past two seasons, Michael coached multiple players to numerous awards. In the 2023-24 campaign, he saw Andre Leavell get named to the All-SAC First Team, while also garnering Newcomer of the Year. Hayden Abdullah was also named to the All-Freshman team during that season. In 2024-25 Ian Blue was selected as an All-SAC Third Team member, with Max Hurray earning All-Freshman Team honors. 

Coker sat in the top five nationally in the 2024-25 season in Assists Per Game (3), Bench Points Per Game (1), Scoring Offense (3), Three Point Attempts Per Game (1), and Three Pointers Made Per Game (1). 

Lamberti will return to West Liberty where he is a graduate of the basketball program.