Sonoma State University has announced the appointment of women's basketball coach Rich Shayewitz to the position of Interim Director of Basketball effective immediately.  Shayewitz will oversee both the Men's Basketball and Women's Basketball programs through the 2020-2021 season.  Assistant coaches JJ Santa Cruz and Lindsey Foster will remain in their roles with their respective teams.

The decision to appoint an Interim Director of Basketball has been aided by the continued uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the new financial realities facing the university.  The California State University system has cancelled most in-person classes for the Fall semester and the California Collegiate Athletic Association has suspended NCAA sport competition for Fall 2020. The determination to name an Interim Director of Basketball with an experienced and steadfast coach such as Shayewitz supports the University's commitment to provide our student-athletes with stability and consistency during these uncomfortable and uncertain times. While competition is on hold, coaches continue to recruit prospective student-athletes, engage in fundraising and donor retention, and conduct virtual practices, workouts, and meetings in accordance with NCAA regulations.

"Coach Shayewitz has an extensive history with Sonoma State basketball and is the ideal candidate to fulfill this role during these unprecedented times" says Nicole Annaloro, Interim Director of Athletics.  "Coach Shayewitz exemplifies a true team player and his acceptance to take on the role of Interim Director of Basketball embodies his commitment to Sonoma State Athletics. We are looking forward to Coach Shayweitz sharing his experience, knowledge, and dedication with our student-athletes." 

Shayewitz has been on the sidelines at Sonoma State for the past 20 seasons.  During his tenure he has held the positions of Assistant Men's Basketball Coach (2000-2006), Associate Head Coach, Men's Basketball (2006-2017), and Head Coach, Women's Basketball (2017-2020).  He has also served as the Academic and Eligibility Student-Athlete Advisor for the SSU athletic department.  

"I'd like to thank our vice president, Joyce Lopes, and our athletic administration, Nicole Annaloro, Stan Nosek, Jared Chasey, and David Rhoades for believing in me to take on such a big task." Shayewitz adds, "It will be a team effort among all the coaches in both programs to work together to give our student-athletes the best experience possible in this unique time. I am excited to share all my experience with our student-athletes and hope that we can continually elevate the programs to the next level." 

Rich obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing from Sonoma State and also holds two Master's degrees; one in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from St.Mary's College, and another in Business from Sonoma State.