A Strategic Addition for the Engineers
John Salivonchik has been appointed full‑time assistant coach for the WPI men’s basketball program, taking over from Riley Naclerio. The hiring was announced this week as the Engineers look to sustain their recent upward trajectory in the NCAA Division III ranks.
Salivonchik arrives after three seasons at Saint Michael’s College, where he helped the team capture a 2025‑26 NE10 Conference Championship and reach the NCAA Division II East Regional final. The 2023‑24 campaign was particularly historic, finishing 24‑9 with a 17‑5 conference record.
Eric Eaton and Chris Tabb, the head coaches who oversaw that success, recommended Salivonchik for the position, citing his acumen in recruiting and player development. Their endorsement carried weight with WPI’s athletic administration, which sought a candidate with proven postseason experience.
Before Saint Michael’s, Salivonchik spent four years at Western New England University, guiding the program to a 50‑35 record and a 33‑19 mark in the Commonwealth Coast Conference. In 2022‑23 the team advanced to the CCC Championship game and produced four all‑conference players, including Jake Harrison, who earned CCC Player of the Year and NABC Second Team All‑America honors.
His recruiting pedigree was further honed through roles with BasketBull, Zero Gravity Basketball and the Hoop Group, organizations that specialize in player evaluation and event management. Salivonchik’s own collegiate foundation was built at Quinnipiac University, where he served as a team manager before earning a bachelor’s degree in management in 2019 and a master’s in sports leadership and coaching from Western New England in 2022.
“I’m excited to join the WPI community and contribute to the growth of our student‑athletes both on and off the court,” Salivonchik said in a statement. “My goal is to help build relationships that last beyond the season and to support each player’s personal development.”
WPI’s athletic director praised the hire, noting that Salivonchik’s blend of recruiting savvy and coaching experience aligns with the program’s ambition to compete at a higher level in the upcoming schedule. The Engineers hope the new staff will help translate their recent successes into sustained excellence in the highly competitive New England conference.