Niagara University women’s basketball head coach Jada Pierce announced the hiring of Lester Harbin as an assistant coach. Harbin brings over 10 years of NCAA coaching experience on the men’s and women’s sides.
“We are thrilled to add Lester to our coaching staff,” said Pierce. “His years of experience as an assistant and a head coach will be a great asset to our program. Coach Harbin has built a great reputation as a great recruiter and teacher of the game with a tireless work ethic. He prides himself on connecting with student-athletes both on and off the court and in building lasting, long-term relationships. We couldn’t be more excited to add Coach Harbin to our staff and the Niagara University community!”
Harbin served as the head women’s basketball coach at NCAA Division II Salem International University in Salem, W. Va. from 2011-12 and 2014-16. Harbin oversaw all phases of the women’s basketball program, organized on and off-campus recruitment efforts, planned practices, oversaw game planning and the scouting of opponents, monitored the academic progress of his student-athletes and managed the program’s budget, compliance, fundraising, travel, scheduling and staff. Harbin also coordinated summer basketball camps.
In between his stints at Salem International, Harbin served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Oakland University from 2012-14, where he assisted with all phases of the Golden Grizzlies’ NCAA Division I program, including recruiting, scouting opponents and on-court coaching during individual workouts and practices.
Harbin also brings vast experience coaching on the men’s side. He served as an assistant men’s basketball coach at SUNY Fredonia from 2007-11 and at Laurinburg Institute in Laurinburg, N.C. from 2006-07. Harbin started his coaching career at Lees-McRae College, and NCAA Division III program in Banner Elk, N.C., as an assistant men’s basketball coach from 2004-06.
Harbin most recently spent the 2016-17 season as an assistant women’s basketball coach at International Prep (PS 198) in Buffalo, N.Y. At International Prep, Harbin’s primary duties included assisting the head coach with competition preparation and workouts, assisting with the recruitment of high school students and assisting with the postseason workout schedule and summer league.
Harbin played at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich. from 1997-99, where he led the team in blocked shots, rebounds and field goal percentage. He then played one season (1999-2000) at the University of North Alabama and played his final year (2003-04) at Lees-McRae College.
“I am very happy to be working under Coach Pierce and even more excited about the direction the Niagara women’s basketball program is heading,” Harbin said. “I am honored to be part of such an amazing staff and a great group of young women. I am eager to join the Niagara women’s basketball family.”
Harbin earned a bachelor’s in business administration from Lees-McRae College in 2006 and completed his master’s in interdisciplinary studies at Fredonia in 2010. Harbin is a member of the WBCA (Women’s Basketball Coaches Association).
Photo Courtesy Niagara Athletics
http://purpleeagles.com/news/2017/9/29/harbin-joins-womens-basketball-staff.aspx?path=wbball
Tagged with: MAAC Niagara
