A Fresh Coaching Chapter
John Cheng has been appointed as the new head coach of the St. Olaf College men's basketball program, taking over from Dan Kosmoski, who steered the team for three decades.
Cheng arrives after a two‑year stint as associate head coach at Elmhurst University, where he helped guide the Bluejays to a 64‑34 record over two seasons and contributed to a national runner‑up finish in 2021‑22.
Prior to Elmhurst, he served as an assistant at Hillsdale College, where he also acted as interim head coach for four games during the 2023‑24 spring offseason.
St. Olaf Athletic Director Kelly Mahlum expressed enthusiasm about the hire, noting Cheng’s blend of experience and his commitment to enriching the program’s culture and developing student‑athletes.
Cheng’s first day at the Northfield campus will be Monday, June 8, a date he says marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Oles.
Looking Forward
With a proven record of building competitive teams and fostering player development, Cheng is expected to continue the Oles’ tradition of excellence in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.