News Summary
Tom Garrick, the Associate Head Coach of the women’s basketball team at Vanderbilt University, is set to enter his fifth season at Memorial Gymnasium. After a successful previous tenure that included five NCAA Tournament appearances and numerous player accolades, Garrick aims to further develop young talent and build upon the team’s past achievements. His extensive coaching experience and player background position him as a vital asset for the upcoming season, as Vanderbilt looks to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Nashville, TN – Tom Garrick, the Associate Head Coach of the women’s basketball team at Vanderbilt University, is gearing up for the 2025-26 season, marking his fifth year at Memorial Gymnasium. Garrick, who rejoined the coaching staff in April 2021 under head coach Shea Ralph, is set to have a significant impact as the program continues to develop its young talent.
During his previous tenure from 2009 to 2015, Garrick was instrumental in leading the Commodores to five NCAA Tournament appearances. Under his guidance, the team notched four seasons with 20 or more wins, compiling a total of 120 victories. His coaching excellence has led to numerous accolades for players, contributing to the development of standout athletes who made their mark in the program’s history.
Player Development and Accolades
Throughout his coaching career at Vanderbilt, Garrick has played a key role in the development of players, including Jence Rhoads, who earned honorable mention All-America honors during the 2010-11 season. Garrick’s influence also helped the team secure seven All-SEC awards for guards, which featured three players on the SEC All-Freshman team. His coaching prowess contributed to the success of players like Jasmine Lister, who set a program record for minutes played and ranks third all-time for assists.
Another notable player, Christina Foggie, distinguished herself by leading the SEC in scoring during her senior year and setting the university record for three-point shots made. Foggie’s successful career paved her path to the WNBA, where she was selected in the second round of the 2014 draft by the Minnesota Lynx.
Coaching Experience
Before returning to Vanderbilt, Garrick served as an assistant coach at Boston College for three seasons, from 2015 to 2018. He then took over as head coach at UMass Lowell, where he turned the program around from just four wins in his predecessor’s final season to 16 victories in his second season (2019-20). Garrick has previous head coaching experience from 2003 to 2009 at the University of Rhode Island, where he secured the second-most Atlantic 10 wins in the program’s history.
Early Coaching and Playing Career
Garrick began his coaching career with the Rhode Island men’s basketball program from 1998 to 1999 before making the transition to women’s coaching. His extensive experience as a player contributes significantly to his coaching style; he was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1988 after an impactful collegiate tenure at the University of Rhode Island, where he scored 1,573 points, recorded 189 steals, and tallied 407 assists, placing him among the school’s top ten in each of those categories.
He also had a four-year career in the NBA, playing for the Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Dallas Mavericks. Moreover, Garrick showcased his skills overseas in countries such as Germany, Turkey, and Spain during a five-year professional career in Europe. His contributions to the game culminated in his induction into the Rhode Island Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998, cementing his legacy in the sport.
Looking Ahead
Garrick’s experience, both as a player and a coach, positions him as a vital asset to Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball program. With his proven track record of promoting player development and competitive success, the team looks forward to the 2025-26 season under his guidance. As the program aims to build on past achievements and inspire future generations of athletes, Garrick’s leadership will be essential in navigating the challenges ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Vanderbilt University: Tom Garrick Profile
- UMass Lowell: Tom Garrick Steps Down as Head Coach
- The Vanderbilt Hustler: A Basketball Story – Shea Ralph and Tom Garrick
- Boston College: Thomas Garrick Profile
- Anchor of Gold: Vanderbilt Hires Shea Ralph
- Wikipedia: Tom Garrick
- Google Search: Tom Garrick
- Google Scholar: Tom Garrick
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tom Garrick
- Google News: Tom Garrick
Author: HERE Nashville
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