With one of the most anticipated Westminster Basketball seasons rapidly approaching, students are excited to pack the Howell and see the season opener in November. What most people do not see is the work that goes on behind the scenes driven by the new basketball head coach of the Freshman team and varsity assistant, Eric Schneider.
Walking into Turner most mornings, you will see Coach Schneider hard at work with players on the auxiliary courts in preparation for the season, but he is not standing on the sideline coaching. Schneider is actively running drills, scrimmaging, and demonstrating his own skills on the court.
Having played basketball for Sewanee: The University of the South from 2005-2009 at the Division III level, Coach Schneider brings valuable experience from both on and off the court. On top of his already impressive resume, Schneider taught math and coached varsity boys basketball during his six years at his alma mater Trinity Prep in Orlando. In his second to last season at Trinity Prep, Schneider led the team to a third place finish in district and a semifinal appearance in the district tournament.
During the spring break of the 2024-2025 school year, a new opportunity came calling.
“Coach Hixenbaugh was my coach in high school and we’ve kept in touch over the years,” said Schneider. “This past spring break, he texted me that there was a math opening here and I figured it never hurts to apply somewhere.”
At the end of July, Schneider made the drive up the I-75 to Atlanta to begin the new school year and get a fresh, first impression of Westminster.
“[The campus is] so nice, and it feels like we’re constantly just trying to improve things here. So that’s very cool to see,” said Schneider. “I really liked seeing all of the seniors on the first day of school lining the gates. That was fun.”
Off the court, Schneider teaches two sections of AP Calculus AB and a section of Geometry. Known for the unique staple of sending students on a lap to reflect on their behavior, Mr. Schnieder’s classroom is far from the authoritarian perception that stems from his tradition. Schneider is also known for his extremely helpful notes packets and welcoming Office Hours, in which you will commonly find people getting help.
“I think he’s a great teacher,” said senior Virginia Willis. “His note packets are really helpful!”
Following the loss of key players Kyle Coleman, Michael Buhay, and Jackson Hausner, the Cats are looking to improve off of their impressive 19-7 record last season. With an extremely talented pool of returning players including Christopher O’Mard, Slater Fogle, Nico Searl, Zade Elshihabi, Conrad Ogden, Caleb Patterson, and Carson Medor, the team is looking to capitalize on the high number of returning players.
“We’re really excited by the addition of Coach Schnieder to the coaching staff,” said Fogle. “He will definitely improve the development of younger players and bring great insight from his time at Sewanee.”
With the home opener on November 18th rapidly approaching, workouts and practices are starting to ramp up, and students are eagerly anticipating the exciting season ahead.
