Joshua Thomas begins his third season as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Santa Monica College. Coach Thomas begins his 11^th season of coaching at the California Community College level. In addition to coaching, Thomas is a Full-Time Kinesiology/Athletics Instructor, and he oversees the Athletic Coaching Certificate Program at Santa Monica College.

In his second season in 2018-2019, Thomas led the Corsairs to the CCCAA State Tournament for the first time since 1988. During the postseason run, the Corsairs secured three playoff victories, which ended a 16-year drought of not having a single playoff win. The Corsairs finished the season 20-12 and made it to the Elite Eight. Coach Thomas was awarded the 2019 CCCMBCA State Championships Coaches Award Final Eight plaque at the State Tournament.

Prior to Santa Monica College, Thomas spent three seasons as the Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Cerritos College from 2014-2017. Thomas served as the defensive coordinator, played an active role in recruiting, and assisted with on-floor coaching. Also, Thomas taught classes as an Adjunct PE and Health Instructor for three years at Cerritos College.

Prior to joining the Cerritos College staff, Coach Thomas spent five years (2009-2014) as the Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach and Adjunct Instructor in Kinesiology at Riverside City College. During his time at Riverside City College, Thomas played a pivotal role in recruiting, on-floor coaching, fundraising and daily operations. Additionally, Thomas was an English Supplemental Instructor for four years (2010-2014) at Riverside City College.

Prior to working at Riverside City College, Thomas was an Account Executive with the NBA D-League Idaho Stampede Basketball Team (2008-2009) and a Team Manager for the UC Riverside Men’s Basketball Team (2007-2008).

Thomas earned his Associate Degree from Riverside City College and graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. Thomas also completed his Master’s of Science Degree in Kinesiology at California Baptist University.

Thomas enjoys spending his free time with his family. Thomas and his wife, Yenee, have a son – Joshua Jr.

 

Get to know Coach Thomas:

What type of student athlete are you looking for in your program?

"Someone who is passionate about basketball and academics and high character young men. We are looking for talented players who exemplify college level basketball IQ and work ethic."

 

What would you like prospective student athletes to know about either you or your program?

"We are a “players first” program, meaning that our student-athletes come first. We want them to have a great experience at SMC and win at a high level while keeping their best interest in mind at all times."

 

What is your proudest moment either here at SMC or another school where you have coached?

"When our team made it to the State Tournament in 2019."

 

Can you list any personal coaching accomplishments or team accomplishments?

"SMC Men's Basketball went to the state tournament for the 1^st time since 1988."