Meet Trinity Prep’s coach Eric Schneider, a seasoned basketball alum and mentor with a remarkable 11-year coaching resume. Beginning as head JV boys basketball coach at Trinity Prep in 2011, Coach Schneider traversed through assistant coaching roles before returning to Trinity Prep in 2019. This month we catch up with Coach Schneider to gain a deeper understanding of his love of basketball, the intricacies of his coaching philosophy, and his excitement for the upcoming year.

How long have you been a coach?

I have been a basketball coach for 11 years. My first coaching position was as the head JV boys basketball coach at Trinity Prep in 2011-12. I then worked for three years as an assistant coach at Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky. I got back into high school coaching and worked the next three years as an assistant coach at Greenbrier High School in Greenbrier, Tennessee. I returned to Trinity Prep in 2019 and have coached here since then.

How many sports did you play growing up and in college?

I played three sports while I was a student at Trinity: basketball, baseball, and football. I played college basketball at Sewanee: The University of the South in Tennessee.

What is your current position at TPS?

Currently, I’m a teacher in the mathematics department, the head boys varsity basketball coach, and assistant dean of the upper school.

Can you describe a typical practice for your team?

We typically open every practice with stretching. We will then meet in a huddle to discuss the emphasis of the day and whether players are on the blue or white team. We often start with team-oriented drills that will get practice started with good energy. About halfway through practice, we'll shoot free throws and do some conditioning if necessary. For the second half of practice, we are typically working through a scout for a future opponent, going over offensive calls or honing specific actions in our defense to prepare for future games.

What are your core values as a coach? 

Enthusiasm, competitiveness, sportsmanship, and integrity.

Tell us about a remarkable memory this season.

Winning the Geneva Christmas Tournament was a great moment for our team. 

What are you looking forward to next year for the team?

We have a promising group of juniors this season, and I am excited to see them continue to grow as leaders on the court and campus.