Evan Lavery is entering his fourth year with the Emporia State men's basketball program, and first as Associate Head Coach. Lavery is involved in all areas of the program. Prior to the 2020-21 season, he was named “50 Most Impactful Assistant Coaches in NCAA Division II” by Silver Waves Media.

"Coach Lavery pours his soul into our program and our student-athletes. We all benefit because of him," stated Head Coach Craig Doty. "His loyalty to our university and to me is unwavering and he has earned the trust of his colleagues throughout the department and beyond. Simply put, Coach Lavery is a professional and is deserving of the new title of associate head coach."

Since arriving in Emporia, Lavery has guided the Hornet defense to finishing third in the MIAA in field goal defense (.434) in 2019-20 and second in field goal defense (.439) in 2020-21 while allowing only 71.4 points per game, which was good for second in the MIAA. Additionally, during the 2020-21 campaign, Emporia State would earn votes in the NCAA Division II national poll for the first time in 13 years. Lavery was instrumental in the recruitment and development of All-MIAA selections Jumah’Ri Turner (2021), Austin Downing (2021), Brenden Van Dyke (2020), Kooper Glick (2019), and Julius Jackson (2019).

Prior to coming to Emporia State, Lavery helped build and maintain Rock Valley College into an NJCAA National Powerhouse. During his five years on staff, the Golden Eagles owned a 144-27 (.842) record, made three trips to the NJCAA DIII National Tournament, and won two NJCAA National Championships. From 2013-16, he served as an assistant coach to current Emporia State Head Coach, Craig Doty. Lavery spent his last two seasons (2016-18) at RVC as the head coach, compiling a 50-15 (.769) record. During those five years, the Golden Eagles produced 11 All-Region IV players, 11 All-Conference Players, 4 NJCAA All-Americans, and 2 NJCAA National Players of the Year.

Full bio: https://esuhornets.com/staff-directory/evan-lavery/199