Snow College Athletic Director Rob Nielson today announced head women’s basketball coach Mike Russell will step down to become the head boys’ basketball coach and teacher at Syracuse High School in Syracuse, Utah.
“Mike has made a tremendous impact on our women’s basketball program over the past six years,” Nielson said. “He has led the program with great integrity and professionalism, and has led the team to unparalleled success. We are sad to see him go, but wish him and his family all the very best in this new opportunity.”
Russell recently concluded his sixth season as the head coach at Snow College, producing an overall record of 110-66. During his tenure, he has led the Lady Badgers to three 20-win seasons, the 2019 Scenic West Athletic Conference Championship and three appearances in the Region XVIII Title game.
“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity that I was given to lead this program,” Russell said. “I would like to specifically thank Rob Nielson for putting his trust in me six years ago. I have truly loved every minute of my time here at Snow College. From the amazing staff and people that I’ve been able to know and work with, to the college itself, Snow College is truly a special place.”
This past season, due to a shortened season as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lady Badgers went 17-7 and finished just one game out of first place in the Scenic West Athletic Conference standings. Under his direction, the Lady Badgers defeated No. 1 seed Salt Lake C.C. and advanced to their third region title game in the past five seasons.
Following the 2018-19 season, Russell was named the Region 18 Coach of the Year after leading Snow to a share of their first Scenic West Athletic Conference Championship in 18 seasons.
Throughout Russell’s time at Snow College, academic excellence has been of high importance. Russell’s teams have performed exceptionally well in the classroom, boasting a 3.63 Team GPA in 2019-20, an unprecedented 3.69 GPA (2018-19), a 3.54 GPA (2017-18), a 3.31 GPA (2016-17), and a 3.51 GPA (2015-16). 39 players overall have earned NJCAA All-Academic Honors (cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher).
Over the course of Russell’s six seasons at Snow College, 20 players have earned All-Region honors. Most recently freshman guard, Japrix Weaver (First Team); freshman center, Sarah Lange (Second Team); and freshman guard, Ashlee Edwards (Second Team) received the honors for the 2020-21 season. Ashlee Edwards and Kennedy Eskelson were also named to the Region 18 All-Tournament team in 2021.
A native of South Ogden, Utah, Russell was the varsity girls’ basketball coach at Bonneville High School for eight seasons along with being the school’s athletic director for four years. In his eight years at Bonneville, Russell helped guide the Lady Lakers to the state playoffs seven times, accumulating a record of 113-67 along the way. His teams won three consecutive Region Championships (2012-14), a stretch during which his teams recorded 61 wins against only nine losses, and progressed to the state quarterfinals in 2012 and 2014 with a semifinal appearance in 2013. Prior to coaching at Bonneville he coached boys’ basketball at his alma mater, Ogden High School, from 2004 through 2007.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision by any stretch,” Russell said. “My wife and I have put a lot of thought and prayer into this and it has taken a lot of time to come to this decision. More than anything I am really going to miss the girls—more than they will ever probably know. They are beyond special and I am sad to think that I won’t be here for them next season. We (my wife and I) are really excited to live closer to our families and put down some permanent roots.”
According to Nielson, a search will begin immediately for Russell’s replacement.
