A fresh look for Valpo basketball
Valparaiso University has unveiled a series of staffing changes for its men's basketball program, signaling a strategic push to bolster expertise and continuity as the team looks ahead to the upcoming season.
Nick Sullivan has been named video coordinator, a role that will see him overseeing film analysis and logistical support for the program. Sullivan arrives after stints as an assistant coach at Whitworth University and a graduate assistant at Gonzaga, where he worked closely with head coach Roger Powell Jr.
In addition to Sullivan's arrival, longtime staff member Sean Taylor has been elevated to assistant coach. Taylor, who previously served as an assistant player development coach, brings a deep understanding of the program's culture and has been with the team since before the 2023‑2024 season.
Jacob Lindsey will continue his involvement as an operations & creative media volunteer, while graduate assistant Joe Vick will remain on the staff after completing four seasons as a walk‑on player for the Beacons.
Roger Powell Jr., the head coach, expressed confidence in the new configuration, noting his familiarity with Sullivan from their time together at Gonzaga and highlighting the value each new addition brings to recruiting, development, and day‑to‑day operations.
Sullivan's coaching journey includes a head coaching role at Golden State Prep from 2019 to 2021 and an assistant position at Prolific Prep during the 2021‑2022 season. He also served as a head coach for Prolific Select AAU and an assistant at Bushnell University before pursuing graduate studies.
He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and interpersonal communication from Bushnell University in 2016, followed by a master's in organizational leadership from Gonzaga in June 2024. Sullivan graduated from De La Salle High School in Concord, California, in 2012.
Taylor's path to the assistant coach position has been equally diverse. He served as a graduate assistant and video coordinator at SIUE from August 2021 to May 2023, and previously worked as a student manager at Marquette, where he also played for Saint John's University during the 2017‑18 season.
A native of Homewood, Illinois, Taylor completed his undergraduate studies at Marquette in May 2021 with a degree in communication studies, later earning a master's in applied communication studies from SIUE in May 2023.
Jacob Lindsey, who spent the last three seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Valpo, recently completed a master's in sports administration and an MBA, both earned in May 2025 and May 2026 respectively, underscoring his commitment to professional growth within the program.
Joe Vick joins the staff as a graduate assistant after four seasons as a walk‑on player for the Beacons, bringing a player‑first perspective and a deep connection to the university community.
Together, these appointments reflect Valparaiso's intent to blend fresh analytical resources with seasoned developmental expertise, positioning the program for continued growth and competitiveness in the coming years.