Mike Young, the head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball team, has been a prominent figure in the world of college basketball for over two decades. With a career spanning multiple programs, Young has established himself as a respected leader and mentor to his players. Here are five facts about Mike Young at Va Tech that showcase his impressive credentials and accomplishments.
Fact #1: Coaching Experience and Pedigree
Before becoming the head coach at Virginia Tech, Mike Young had an impressive coaching resume that included stints at Wofford College, Marshall University, and American University. His experience as an assistant coach at several programs, including his alma mater, Wofford College, prepared him for the challenge of leading his own team. Young's coaching pedigree is rooted in his playing days at Wofford College, where he was a standout player and later served as an assistant coach.
Early Success at Wofford College
Young's coaching career began at Wofford College, where he served as an assistant coach from 1993 to 1999. During his time at Wofford, the Terriers experienced significant success, including two NCAA Tournament appearances and a Southern Conference regular-season title.
Fact #2: ACC Coaching Experience
In 2019, Mike Young became the 20th head coach in Virginia Tech men's basketball history, bringing with him a wealth of coaching experience in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Young's familiarity with the ACC landscape, having coached against many of the conference's top programs during his time at Wofford and Marshall, has proven invaluable in his role at Virginia Tech.
Competing in the Nation's Toughest Conference
As a member of the ACC, Virginia Tech competes against some of the nation's top programs, including Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia. Young's experience coaching against these powerhouses has helped the Hokies become more competitive in the conference, with several notable upsets in recent years.
Fact #3: Player Development and Recruiting
One of Mike Young's greatest strengths as a coach is his ability to develop players and attract top talent to his programs. At Wofford, Young helped develop several NBA players, including Noah Dahlman and Brad Loesing. At Virginia Tech, Young has continued to attract top recruits, including several four-star prospects in recent years.
Building a Winning Culture
Young's emphasis on player development and recruiting has helped build a winning culture at Virginia Tech. The Hokies have become a consistent threat in the ACC, with several notable victories against top opponents in recent years.
Fact #4: Leadership and Community Involvement
Mike Young is not only a respected coach but also a dedicated leader and community advocate. Young has been involved in several charitable initiatives, including the Virginia Tech Athletics' "Hoops for Heroes" event, which raises money for local veterans' organizations.
Mentoring Student-Athletes
Young's leadership extends beyond the court, as he places a strong emphasis on mentoring his student-athletes and helping them become successful individuals off the court. Young's commitment to developing the whole person has earned him the respect of his players, colleagues, and the wider community.
Fact #5: Family and Personal Life
Mike Young is a family man who values his personal life and relationships. Young is married to his wife, Margaret, and has two children, Trey and Elizabeth. When not coaching, Young enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing.
A Balanced Life
Young's commitment to his family and personal life has helped him maintain a balanced perspective, even in the high-pressure world of college basketball. This balance has contributed to his success as a coach and earned him the respect of his peers and players.
Gallery of Mike Young at Va Tech
FAQs
What is Mike Young's coaching experience?
+Mike Young has over 20 years of coaching experience, including stints at Wofford College, Marshall University, and American University.
What is Mike Young's ACC coaching experience?
+Mike Young has experience coaching in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), having coached against many of the conference's top programs during his time at Wofford and Marshall.
What is Mike Young's approach to player development and recruiting?
+Mike Young emphasizes player development and recruiting, having helped develop several NBA players during his time at Wofford and attracting top recruits to Virginia Tech.
In conclusion, Mike Young's impressive coaching credentials, leadership, and commitment to his players and community make him an excellent fit for the Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball program. With his experience and expertise, Young is poised to continue building a winning culture at Virginia Tech and establishing the Hokies as a consistent threat in the ACC.