Samuel to Take Over Coker Men's Basketball Program

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College vice president of athletics and athletic facilities Dr. Lynn Griffin announced today that Aric Samuel has been named the new head men's basketball coach for the Cobras.

Samuel has spent the last three seasons as the Cobras' assistant coach under Dan Schmotzer, as well as running the day-to-day operations of the Harris E. and Louise H. DeLoach Center, Coker's 71,000 square-foot athletics facility.

"We are excited to have Aric lead our men's basketball program," said Griffin. "Having been at Coker for the last few years, we already know he is a great fit for our program. He is hard working, dedicated and has a real passion for Coker basketball. I feel very confident that he can build on the rich tradition that Dan Schmotzer established at Coker."

During his time with Coker Samuel has helped guide the Cobras to two South Atlantic Conference postseason appearances. Individually, Samuels has coached four All-SAC selections, a Capital One Academic All-District selection and four NABC Honor Court recipients. As a team, the Cobras received the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award in 2014.

"I am very grateful that Coker has given the opportunity to lead the Cobras," Samuel said. "I cannot thank Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Griffin and the entire Coker administration enough for having the faith and trust in me to lead this program. I also want to thank Coach Schmotzer for allowing me to work and learn all about the collegiate game with him over the last few years. I am excited to get the ball rolling and take Coker basketball to the next level."

Prior to his time at Coker, Samuel spent eight seasons as the head boy's basketball coach at Hartsville High School, where he compiled a record of 125-47.  He led the Red Foxes to back-to-back Class 3A state titles in 2012 and 2013, including a 28-1 season in 2012-13.

In addition to his duties as coach at Hartsville, Samuel served as program director at the Hartsville YMCA. He developed workout regimens for members, implemented youth and adult sports programs, and was responsible for marketing throughout the community.

Before moving to Hartsville High, Samuel was head varsity coach for Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School in Neeses, S.C. He led the Trojans to two state title appearances, in 2002 and 2005, with the 2005 squad winning the 1A championship.

Samuel was a three-time High School Sports Report Coach of the Year and two-time Region 6 Coach of the Year.

As a player, Samuel played basketball for South Carolina State and received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from SCSU in 1997. He will complete his MS in College Athletic Administration in August 2016.

He resides in Hartsville with his wife, Brandi, and five children: Brandon Tyson, 18; Kevin Tyson, 17; Maniya Tyson, 14; Aric Samuel Jr., 8; and Jordan Samuel, 4.

Coker College is a student-focused, private liberal arts college located in Hartsville, South Carolina. Coker combines round table, discussion-based learning with hands-on experiences to encourage active participation in and out of the classroom. A supportive, close-knit community prepares Coker students with the confidence and practical life skills they need to reach their personal best, in college and beyond.

Founded in 1908, Coker is a bachelor's and master's degree-granting institution and competes in 21 NCAA Division II sports. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review, and by Washington Monthly as No. 5 for value among colleges in the Southeast region.