Reese Leone, a West Branch High School graduate, has been named interim head coach of the Ohio Dominican University men’s basketball team, taking the reins of a program that finished last season with a 19‑10 record and a berth in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference tournament.
Leone’s appointment follows a stint as an assistant and graduate assistant at Ohio Dominican, where he contributed to player development and game preparation. His coaching journey began on the sidelines of his alma mater, where he helped lead the Warriors to an 18‑5 season and secured the Eastern Buckeye Conference title.
From Player to Coach
Before entering the coaching ranks, Leone spent four years at Westminster College, appearing in 84 games with 83 starts. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and later earned a Master’s degree in Sport Management from Ohio Dominican, blending academic insight with on‑court experience.
The Panthers, members of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, are poised to capitalize on recent momentum. With a core group of returning players and a supportive administration, Leone hopes to instill a culture of competitiveness and academic excellence that reflects the university’s broader mission.
Athletic director Casey Kaufman praised Leone’s blend of playing pedigree, coaching acumen, and deep ties to the region. “Reese embodies the spirit of our program,” Kaufman said. “His leadership on and off the court aligns perfectly with the goals we set for the Panthers.”
Jeff Blair, a longtime observer of the conference, noted that Leone’s appointment could signal a strategic shift toward younger, dynamic leadership across the league. “The Panthers are betting on a coach who knows what it takes to win at the high school level and translate that success to the collegiate arena,” Blair remarked.
Shonna Riedlinger, a senior administrator in the athletics department, highlighted the importance of continuity during the transition. “We are confident that Coach Leone’s interim role will provide stability while we evaluate long‑term options for the program’s future direction,” she said.