Oct. 12, 2006

Head men's basketball coach Tom Schuberth announced on Thursday (Oct. 12) that Grant Leonard and Darren Johnson have been added to The University of Texas-Pan American basketball staff.

"I'm very excited to have both Darren and Grant as part of our staff," said Schuberth. "I think that they'll bring a lot of experience, energy and enthusiasm as well as great knowledge and organization to the program. I think it's important when you hire a staff that you bring in people that the players can relate to. They've both played as well as coached so they will bring both a player's perspective as well as a coaches' perspective into the mix, and it's going to make us a more diverse basketball staff."

Leonard will serve as the Administrative Assistant and comes to the Rio Grande Valley after serving as the first assistant coach at Washington College where he assisted in all basketball duties as well as the day-to-day operations of the program. As the recruiting coordinator for the Shoremen, Leonard received commitments from 15 recruits and also served as the Director of Fundraising for the basketball program.

During his coaching career at Washington College, Leonard was also involved in the Eastern Invitational Basketball Clinic in New Jersey where he assisted in all operational aspects of the camp as well as served as a coach. His prior basketball camp experience consisted of serving as the director of the North Shore Basketball Camp in Chicago, IL, for seven years where he oversaw the day-to-day activities as well as hired and trained all the staff members.

Leonard earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from William Penn University in 2004 and earned his master's degree in psychology from Washington College.

Johnson will serve as the Graduate Manager for the Broncs and comes to UTPA after serving as the head student manager for the men's basketball team at the University of South Dakota for three seasons. During his tenure with the Coyotes, Johnson assisted in all practices and worked with players on an individual basis. He also maintained all multimedia and basketball equipment as well as handled all office and managerial duties assigned by the head coach.

Prior to his tenure with the Coyotes, Johnson was the assistant men's basketball coach of the London Towers Basketball Team in London, England. Johnson assisted with recruiting player, evaluating game and practice file as well as served as a scout for the team during his time with the Towers. The UTPA graduate manager also coordinated the design, marketing, promotions and operations of all summer camps for the London Towers.

Johnson earned his bachelor's degree in recreation with a minor in health from the University of South Dakota in 2006.

UTPA Sports Information