COMMERCE - Texas A&M University-Commerce has concluded a comprehensive national search with the hiring of
Jaret von Rosenberg as head men's basketball coach. Only the fourth head coach in A&M-Commerce's Division II era, Rosenberg comes to Commerce from the University of Hartford, where he has been an assistant coach for the last two seasons.
"To be certain, our men's basketball search was a detailed combination of research, communication, and direct interaction through numerous avenues of the college basketball landscape," noted Director of Athletics
Tim McMurray. "As Lions, we should be universally ecstatic that
Jaret von Rosenberg has accepted the offer to return to Commerce.
"He exemplifies the term 'institutional fit' for Lion basketball, and his approach to this process was infectious. We detailed seven key pillars during the interview, and he struck a positive chord on every one of them. Additionally, he represents the 'Three H's' that are very important for our new coach to possess – hungry, humble, and hustle. To have Jaret, Sarah, and Jaxon coming back to Commerce is an absolute gift."
A 2009 graduate of the University of Hartford, von Rosenberg is entering his eighth season as a collegiate coach. Prior to his time at Hartford, he served as an assistant at A&M-Commerce for two seasons. He helped the Lions to the 2015 Lone Star Conference Championship and a top 10 national ranking.
He recruited and mentored Darrell Williams, the South Central Region Player of the Year, Lone Star Conference Player of the Year and a Division II All-American. He also brought Christian Macauley into the fold, as Macauley was twice named the Lone Star Defensive Player of the Year. Von Rosenberg was responsible for signing nine major contributors in two seasons.
"I appreciate the opportunity to lead a program with such a rich history and keep pushing it forward to greater heights," von Rosenberg said. "The direction of the athletics department and community make this a dream job. I thank Dr. Keck,
Tim McMurray, Sam Walker, and
Judy Sackfield for entrusting me with this task.
"I will work every day to make this university and community proud of our program and its members. Sarah, Jaxon, and I are so blessed to have true friends in the City of Commerce, and can't wait to become more ingrained in the community and raise our family here."
Prior to joining the staff in Commerce, von Rosenberg spent two years as an assistant for Abilene Christian. He helped the Wildcats add Eric Lawton, the 2013 Lone Star Conference Newcomer of the Year and a second team all-league selection. Two other players collected All-LSC honors in von Rosenberg's two seasons in Abilene.
Additionally, in two seasons at Collin College, von Rosenberg helped the Cougars to a 48-16 combined record before heading to ACU.
von Rosenberg's three-year playing career at Hartford, which spanned from 2006-09, was highlighted by an America East All-Conference Third Team honor at the conclusion of his senior season and a pair of America East All-Academic Team nods. A 1,000-point scorer (1,021 points), his name is peppered throughout the Hawks' Division I record books as he owns the program record in free-throw percentage (.831) and ranks in the top 10 in made free throws, assists, and steals. He was an all-conference player in one season at Collin College after a solid career as a basketball and football player at Sharyland HS in the Rio Grande Valley.
von Rosenberg is married to the former Sarah Rasor, and the couple has a son, Jaxon.
What they're saying about Jaret von Rosenberg
"Jaret von Rosenberg will take the torch from Sam Walker and make a difference in the lives of our talented student-athletes associated with our men's basketball program. From the time I met Jaret, I learned he was proud to be a Lion. He will take that enthusiasm and institutional knowledge into this new era of Lion basketball, and I believe we have some very special days ahead of us."
Dr. Ray M. Keck, III – President, Texas A&M University-Commerce
"Hiring Jaret von Rosenberg is more than just a basketball decision to me – it's about family. After 25 years at this university, the basketball program has become an extension of my family, and Jaret is the perfect person to lead the way at this time. I look forward to the continued success of our program with Jaret as head coach, and I will be there to support the Lions in every way possible."
Sam Walker – Executive Director for Alumni Engagement (former TAMUC basketball coach)
"Jaret is a great defensive mind, a relentless recruiter and, above all else, an outstanding mentor to the young men he works with. He is a natural leader with an amazing basketball mind, and checks all the boxes when it comes to running a program. He will be greatly missed by everyone around our program, but we couldn't be happier for Jaret, Sarah and Jaxon as they enter a new, exciting chapter of their lives."
John Gallagher – Head Men's Basketball Coach, University of Hartford
"Every so often you come across someone who is truly destined for success. Jaret von Rosenberg is one of those individuals. He possesses all of the qualities needed to be an outstanding leader at Texas A&M University-Commerce for many years to come. In my career, I never had the opportunity to coach a player with a greater desire to win and make sacrifices for his teammates. I am so proud of Jaret's accomplishments and cannot wait to see him blaze his own trail as a head coach. Congratulations to Tim McMurray on a very astute hire. The Commerce community should welcome Jaret, Sarah and Jaxon with open arms. Go Lions!"
Dan Leibovitz – Associate Commissioner for Men's Basketball, Southeastern Conference – formerly von Rosenberg's Head Coach at University of Hartford
"Coach von Rosenberg is a great coach. If I had another year of eligibility, I would love to play for him. I told the rest of the team that he's a great coach, competitor, and teacher who is all about our success. In my eyes, I couldn't see any other coach fit to follow Coach Walker than 'Coach Rose'."
De'Andre Carson – A&M-Commerce men's basketball senior
