It’s history: They are now Brad’s Billikens.
Last Friday afternoon, assistant Brad Soderberg was introduced as Saint Louis University’s 23rd men’s basketball coach.
In front of a packed group at the Hall of Fame Room in the Bauman-Eberhardt Athletic Center, Soderberg showed his relief after a stressful nine days in limbo.
The smiling coach didn’t even seem to mind that University President Lawrence Biondi S.J., mistakenly introduced him as “Brad Soderberger.”
“This gentleman is passionate and competent,” Biondi said. “He’s a leader who’s committed, and I believe he’ll take us to the next level, and into the top 50.”
Shortly after Lorenzo Romar’s resignation, SLU began a national search for the next head coach. Director of Athletics Doug Woolard formed a group that included Dr. Michael Ross-faculty athletic representative, Kim Tucci-a member of the Board of Trustee, Jill Pizzotti,-SLU women’s basketball coach, and Biondi.
While their names weren’t revealed until after the hiring, they were an important part of the interview process that also included Michigan State assistant Brian Gregory and Ball State coach Tim Buckley.
“Our search quickly narrowed, and one candidate stood out,” Woolard said. “Brad is a relentless recruiter with numerous Midwest ties, which will benefit our program. His past experiences have also prepared him to successfully lead the Billikens.”
Soderberg succeeds the departed Romar, who left after three seasons at SLU to take the helm at his alma mater, the University of Washington.
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am for today,” Soderberg said. “I have waited a long time and I am truly honored to be the next head coach at Saint Louis University.”
Soderberg cited three bold goals he hopes to achieve at SLU:
-100 percent player graduation;
-Conference USA championships;
-National championship
To SLU’s fans he said, “I know what you want. You want a team you can be proud of-a team that busts their tails every night on the court and, most importantly, a team that wins basketball games. Well, that’s what I want too.”
The hiring isn’t Soderberg’s first Division I coaching opportunity.
He served as Wisconsin’s interim head coach after Dick Bennett’s retirement early in the 2000-01 season. He compiled a 16-10 record and became the first Wisconsin coach to lead the Badgers to the NCAA Tournament in his first season.
All the while doing double duty.
Prior to the season, Soderberg had made a commitment to coach the team of his 12-year-old son, Kramer.
After Bennett resigned, he kept his promise. Soderberg would go from a grade school gym on a Saturday afternoon to a packed Big Ten arena that night.
Soderberg tutored for six years at Wisconsin under the legendary Bennett.
The two had already known each other dating back to the days when Soderberg played for his mentor at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Bennett’s coaching ideals have rubbed off on Soderberg, and it was visible in the interview process.
“His philosphies of coaching, player relationships and personal integrity match those of the mission of Saint Louis University,” Woolard said.
Soderberg also had another mentor who brought basketball into his life: his father. Don Soderberg was a legend himself, coaching at Pacelli High School in Stevens Point, Wis., from 1961 until his retirement in 1997.
“Brad has always been a fierce and intense competitor, ever since he was small,” said the elder Soderberg. “There’s no question he’s ready to lead SLU’s program. He was ready to take over at Wisconsin. I know this: If those kids follow the plan he has in place, he’ll do a great job for SLU. He’ll work as hard as anyone, and he’ll surround himself with good assistants.”
