Zach Thomsen begins his first season as graduate assistant to the men’s basketball team this year, joining fellow graduate assistant Mike Smiley and head coach Steve Evans. Thomsen is an alumnus of West Virginia Tech, where he was a member of the men’s basketball team. After graduating in 2010, Thomsen comes to Le Moyne to pursue a master’s degree in General Professional Education.

1. What made you come to Le Moyne to be a graduate assistant?

“I felt like Le Moyne was a great opportunity for me to complete my Masters Degree which is becoming more and more important for college coaches to have in order to be a Head Coach. On the basketball side of it I feel like Le Moyne is a great place to play, and is a great place for me to grow as a coach and person.”

2. What is your role in helping to assist the basketball team?

“My role in helping the team is a little bit of everything so far. I help on the court during practice and individual workouts, assist with breaking down film, and identifying potential student athletes, as well as handling all of our team travel arrangements. As the season continues I’m anticipating my role expanding.”

3. How has your basketball college experience helped you so far at Le Moyne?

“I think my playing experience helps, because I’ve been through all the same things our players have or will go through during the season. I think I can relate pretty well to most of the issues they will face.”

4. What is the basketball team working on for their season?

“We’re working on everything to be honest. We want to limit our turnovers this year in comparison to last year, and become better defensively. If we do those things I believe well be successful.”

The men’s team will be competing in the Monmouth Exhibition Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., with their official season beginning Wednesday, November 14, where they will face Pace at 7:30 p.m.