Brian Baptiste received a citation for his 40 years of coaching accomplishments
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The Massachusetts House of Representatives honored UMass Dartmouth Men's Basketball Coach Brian Baptiste with a Citation for his impressive coaching career. Baptiste, who State Representative Chris Markey nominated, was recognized for his recent 700th career win and his impact on the SouthCoast region during his 40th season as head coach of the Corsairs.
"I am honored to be recognized for my coaching achievements. This would not have been possible without the help of all my assistant coaches over the years and the hard work put in by many student-athletes," said Baptiste. "I feel blessed to be able to work at something I love."
Baptiste became the most winningest active coach in Division III basketball when he won his 700th game on January 14, 2023.
"Coach Baptiste embodies the best of college athletics. He not only ranks 68th among all NCAA coaches for wins with 700. He has done so while graduating the overwhelming majority of his players. He is very deserving of this honor as he contributed so much to so many over his 40 years as the Head Coach of the UMass Dartmouth Men's Basketball Program," said Representative Chris Markey.
"Congratulations to Coach Brian Baptiste for his lifetime of athletic achievement and this latest honor," said Chancellor Mark A. Fuller, PhD. "Brian's dedication to the athletic, academic and personal development of our student-athletes is unparalleled, and he is most deserving of this recognition from the Commonwealth for his impact."
"I am grateful to Representative Chris Markey for recognizing the extraordinary achievements of Coach Brian Baptiste," shared UMass Dartmouth Director of Athletics, Lori Hendricks. "Coach Baptiste's positive impact on our program and on the footprint of college basketball is undeniable. As the winningest active coach in NCAA Division III, we celebrate this milestone and thank Coach Baptiste for his continued contributions to the young people across the state and throughout New England."
Baptiste achieved his first win for UMass Dartmouth (then known as Southeastern Massachusetts University) against Anna Maria College on November 19, 1983. Over his career, Baptiste has won 12 Little East Conference Championships and made 14 Division III National Tournament appearances. Baptiste accrued 17 tournament wins, making five Sweet Sixteen appearances while also reaching the Final Four.