Friday, May 3, 2019
LACEY, Wash. – In four seasons, Saint Martin's men's basketball head coach Alex Pribble took the Saints to two NCAA Division II Tournaments, the program's first ever GNAC regular-season title, and an overall record of 83-41 (.669). On Friday, Pribble was named the associate head coach at Division I Seattle University.
"Alex has done a tremendous job with our men's basketball program by leading it to the highest level of success in the program's 60 year history, and put us on the national stage with his team's accomplishments," said athletic director Bob Grisham. "During this time, his teams and student athletes have embodied the values of Saint Martin's University."
"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity that Bob Grisham and President (Roy) Heynderickx gave me here at Saint Martin's," said Pribble. "The past four years have meant so much both personally and professionally. Thank you to the incredible student-athletes that I had the privilege to work with every day, along with the great coaches and staff. I am proud of what we have accomplished here, and know that the future is bright. My wife and I love this community, and are so appreciative of all the support from alumni and the Saints community as a whole."
Pribble took over the program in 2015, with the Saints coming off of a 6-22 season, one in which they finished tied for last in the GNAC. The Saints returned to postseason play in Pribble's second season at the helm. In 2017-18, the Saints won what was then a school record 25 games and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. Saint Martin's followed that success with a 26-win season in 2018-19, reached the program's first Sweet 16, and Pribble was named the GNAC Coach of the Year.
"His impact and contributions were not limited to basketball throughout his time," said Grisham. "His work ethic and character have made him a leader within the department, and because of this success, all of our programs have benefited with a level of unparalleled interest."
During this time at Saint Martin's, Pribble has coached one All-West Region player, one GNAC Newcomer of the Year, one GNAC Defensive Player of the Year, eight All-Conference selections, and 13 All-Academic selections. His winning percentage marks the highest in school history.
Pribble will join Seattle University's head coach Jim Hayford, who Pribble served under for two seasons at Eastern Washington from 2013-15.
"I am appreciative of Alex's efforts and accomplishments, and wish him the very best in his coaching career," said Grisham. "We will immediately form a committee to find his replacement."
A national search for the next Saint Martin's men's basketball head coach will begin immediately.