State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has named Tom Parks as the Head Basketball Coach/Athletic Operations, starting June 18. A seasoned basketball coach and player, Parks was hired to help turn around the men’s basketball program at SCF.
Parks comes from Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) in Melbourne where he has been working as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. Last year EFSC, a top 10 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division 1 school, ended the season with a 30-5 overall record and was ranked sixth in the nation in the final NJCAA poll. EFSC finished third in the national tournament after the 2017-18 season.
“I want to thank the State College of Florida Athletic Director, Matt Ennis, and the entire committee for selecting me as their next head coach,” Parks said. “Choosing me shows how much confidence and belief they have in me to lead the men’s basketball team in a positive direction.”
After graduating from Youngstown State University (YSU) where he played forward on the basketball team, Parks served as a graduate assistant coach at Northern State University (NSU) where he earned a Master of Education in sport performance and leadership. As a graduate transfer, he played his final year at NSU. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in business from YSU and an associate degree while playing basketball at Sheridan College. Parks also served as Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Sheridan College from 2014-2017.
“Tom Parks is a tremendous addition to our athletic staff. His leadership and passion on and off the basketball court will be instrumental in returning SCF to the conference, state and national prominence we once enjoyed,” Ennis said. “Parks’ personal experience as a former NJCAA student-athlete, professional basketball player and current NJCAA Region 8 coach are assets to his ability to recruit, teach, and compete at our level.”
Parks said he is eager to begin the job and is looking forward to being part of the SCF community.
“I am beyond excited for this opportunity,” he said. “From the moment I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home. With the administrative support and resources available, I truly believe that the Manatee men’s basketball program will be very competitive at the conference, state and national level. It will take time to rebuild, but it will happen sooner than later.”
To see Coach Parks in action and learn about his coaching philosophy, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cKUCARFFe8&feature=youtu.be.
For more information, contact Ennis at EnnisM@SCF.edu or 941-752-5574.