Defiance tabs Laster as new Lady Jacket Basketball coach

DEFIANCE, Ohio—The Defiance College Athletic Department announces the hiring of Corey Laster, formerly of St. Michael’s College in Vermont, as the Yellow Jackets’ new women’s basketball coach.

Prior to taking the assistant post at St. Michael’s, Laster turned around the Taylor University (Fort Wayne) Lady Falcon program, inheriting a squad that went 4-20 prior to his arrival. Laster moved up to NCAA Division II St. Michael’s after leading the Lady Falcons to 25-3 finish in 2003 and fifth-place in the National Small College Athletic Association.

“Corey brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and skill to the head coaching position,” said DC athletic director Dr. Dick Kaiser. “His experiences both as a head women's coach and as the top assistant in a Division II program were very appealing in the selection process.”

Laster spent two seasons as the first-assistant for legendary St. Michael’s head coach Jennifer Niebling. The Purple Knights have improved under the assistance of Laster, competing in the one of the best NCAA Division II conferences, the New England 10 and defeating nationally-ranked American International College last season. Laster’s touch in recruiting paid off as the Knight roster included student-athletes from varying regions including the Bronx, New York and Ontario, Canada.

Kaiser spoke of Laster’s credentials, “Coach Laster has received some of the highest accolades from his peers that called on his behalf. I feel Defiance College was extremely fortunate to gain such a quality coach and person to lead our program forward.”

The new DC mentor’s track record of leadership also includes impressive stints as the associate dean of students at Taylor, the interim multicultural director at St. Michael’s and the Community Extension director at Fellowship Missionary Church in Fort Wayne.

“Corey has proven that he knows how to win as a head collegiate coach,” Kaiser continued. “This program has a long tradition of excellence and we feel very confident Mr. Laster will continue this winning tradition.”

A native of Anderson, Indiana, Laster played collegiately at Taylor University where he ended his four-year career as one of the school’s all-time leading scorers and rebounders.

The Defiance AD ended, “Not only will the college, but the entire community will benefit from Corey Laster becoming the new head women's head coach. He is a terrific family man and has always become a viable, integral part of the community where he has coached. I feel strongly Corey will make a positive impact on the Defiance College campus and community.”

Laster and his wife, Holly, have three children Tyler, Trey, and newborn Jadyn.