HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Former Wallace State men’s basketball assistant Collin Dimitroff has been named the program’s new head coach, as announced by Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics this week.
President Karolewics said, “Our sophomore players assisted me in interviewing the finalists for head coach. I am confident that Coach Dimitroff will continue the tradition of athletic excellence for which Wallace State is known, and that he will lead this program to the next level.”
Dimitroff, 24, was an assistant coach on last season’s team that went 24-7 and won the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) North Division championship.
Before landing in Hanceville, Dimitroff served two seasons on the Missouri State University basketball staff, also graduating from there. Dimitroff is originally from Livonia, Mich.
“I’ve had a constant smile on my face since I was offered the job, and I’m honored this college welcomed me back as its head coach,” Dimitroff said. “I’m familiar with our returning sophomores and a handful of other players I helped recruit here last year, and I’m thankful the administration and the players on the team have faith in me to do the job.” With the semester already underway, he is hitting the ground running.
Dimitroff replaces John Meeks at Wallace State. Meeks spent nine seasons with the Lions, compiling a 175-112 record, winning two ACCC tournament championships and three regular-season division titles.
Dimitroff praised the players who remained patient during the coaching transition.
“Guys like Markise Davis stepped up and accepted a big role. He’s a great leader and kept everyone on the same page. It says a lot about the college and the community here for these guys to stick around when they easily could have sought other options,” Dimitroff said. “It’s truly a family environment.”
Men’s basketball, which regularly contends in the postseason and with record-setting academic performance, will be looking for another outstanding season this year.
For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit www.athletics.wallacestate.edu or the athletics Facebook page at www.wallacestate.edu/athleticsfb.
