April 3, 2025

UMASS DARTMOUTH’S BRIAN BAPTISTE RECIPIENT OF JACK BENNETT AWARD
Presented annually to the non-division I coach who wins with integrity on and off the court.

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- UMass Dartmouth's Brian Baptiste is the recipient of the 2025 Jack Bennett Man of the Year award, which is presented annually to a non-division I coach who wins with integrity on and off the court.

Coach Baptiste has built an extraordinary career and legacy at UMass Dartmouth over the course of 42 years at the helm of the men's basketball program. Baptiste has garnered an overall record of 729-405 for a .643 winning percentage while also owning a 333-183 mark in conference action.

Among active head coaches in NCAA Division III, Baptiste boasts the most victories with 729 to date. Additionally, Baptiste ranks 10th overall all-time in total wins by a head coach in Division III while also sitting 13th overall among active coaches across all divisions.

"The consummate teacher/coach, Brian's leadership and reputation as one of New England's all-time great hoop coaches transcend his 700+ wins and dozens of league titles and postseason berths. He is the perfect choice for the Jack Bennett Award.”

Throughout his tenure at UMass Dartmouth, Baptiste has guided the Corsairs to 12 total Little East Conference (LEC) Championship titles along with 14 berths into the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament. In just his third season as head coach, Baptiste led the team to the Elite 8 during the 1986 NCAA Tournament.

In 1993, he brought the team to the Final Four marking the furthest in program history the team has reached in postseason play.

The Jack Bennett Award, which represents winning with integrity, is named in honor of former legendary head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Bennett won five Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles, made five NCAA tournament appearances, and won two national championships. He’s the program’s all-time winningest coach with a 200-56 record. In 34 seasons as head coach, he compiled a record of 480-175.