Andy Stark - D'Youville University Men's Basketball Head Coach

Andy Stark is entering his 5th season as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at D2 D'Youville University. The Saints advanced to the East Coast Conference Semifinals in 2026 and continued the program’s upward trajectory since Stark took over the program in June of 2022.

Stark previously served one season on the Baylor men's basketball staff under Scott Drew. During his time with the Bears, Stark helped the team to a 27-7 record, winning the 2021 Big 12 Championship and making it to the NCAA March Madness Round of 32 as a No. 1 seed.

Prior to his time with the Bears, Stark served as an assistant coach at D3 Penn State-Behrend and at D2 Gannon University. He began his coaching career at Stevenson University in Owings Mills, Md. as a graduate assistant for the men's basketball team after having served as the head student assistant at St. Bonaventure while earning a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications.

On this episode Mike & Andy discuss the transformative experiences that shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the significance of nurturing relationships with players. Stark addresses the trials and tribulations of his initial coaching years, acknowledging the steep learning curve associated with transitioning to a head coach. Stark explains how he learned to balance rigorous coaching with compassion, asserting that fostering trust is paramount in building a successful team culture. His narrative underscores the importance of patience and celebrating incremental progress, particularly in a program that is in the nascent stages of development. Through his insights, Stark illustrates the complexities and rewards of coaching, particularly in the context of leading a team through challenges while striving for excellence. His commitment to creating a positive environment, where players can thrive academically and athletically, is evident as he discusses the roles of mentorship and community in shaping the identities of young athletes.

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Grab pen and paper before you listen to this episode with Andy Stark, Men’s Basketball Head Coach at D’Youville University.

Website – dyusaints.com/sports/mens-basketball
Email – starka@dyu.edu
Twitter/X - @Coach_AndyStark