Will Mantlo has been named the next head boys basketball coach at Lipscomb Academy.
Will Mantlo
Mantlo, a Lipscomb Academy and University graduate who played four seasons for the Bison (2005-08), replaces former coach Ritchie Pickens, who resigned in February after leading the Mustangs for the last nine seasons.
“Lipscomb Academy played an important role in my life growing up,” said Mantlo, whose mother Malinda has served as a faculty member at Lipscomb for the past 15 years. “It helped shape me into the person I am today. And for a long time I also watched my mom teach young people at Lipscomb Academy, so having the opportunity to come back to a place I love as boys basketball coach is a dream come true.
“Our team will be known first for its Christ-like spirit on and off the court, and will also display toughness, teamwork and a commitment to winning.”
Mantlo, who compiled a 45-44 record in three seasons at Harpeth High School (2013-15), has also made assistant coaching stops at Freed-Hardeman University, University School of Nashville and Ensworth School, where he helped lead the Lady Tigers to the 2010 TSSAA Division II-AA state titles under current Brentwood Academy boys coach Hubie Smith.
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“As an experienced coach and former player, Coach Mantlo has a unique understanding of the game of basketball that will be a great asset to the Mustang basketball program,” Lipscomb Academy head of school Greg Glenn said. “Coach Mantlo has had the opportunity to learn from some of the most successful coaches in the region on both the high school and collegiate levels not only how to be successful on the court, but how to motivate his student-athletes to be people of character off the court as well.”
After earning all-district and all-region honors during his playing career at Lipscomb Academy, Mantlo went on to play four seasons at Lipscomb University, where, in 2006, he helped lead the Bison to a share of the Atlantic Sun title, as well as a trip to the National Invitational Tournament.
The Mustangs finished with a 10-12 regular-season record in 2015-16, suffering a season-ending defeat to Hume-Fogg in the District 10-AA quarterfinals.
Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.