Tyler Ojanen is in his first year as an assistant men's basketball coach for the Pioneers in 2013-14. A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Ojanen brings a championship pedigree to East Bay, having spent the previous five years at Saint Mary's College.
Ojanen has served as the Director of Basketball Operations for the Gaels since 2009. He was responsible for managing the program's youth camps and clinics, overseeing student-athlete academic progress, and assisting with on-campus recruiting, team travel, video, and other aspects of the day-to-day operation of SMC's Division I program.
During Ojanen's time in Moraga, the Gaels posted a record of 124-33, won two West Coast Conference tournament championships, and made three trips to the NCAA Division I Tournament, including a run to the Sweet Sixteen in 2010.
The Pioneers' new assistant hoops coach served as the video coordinator in his first year at Saint Mary's in 2008-09, also assisting with summer camps and the day-to-day functions of the office. Prior to that, he spent three years as a history teacher at Cortez High School in Phoenix. During that time, Ojanen was the head junior varsity boys' basketball coach and served as an assistant coach for the varsity team.
Ojanen graduated from California Baptist University in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in history. He was also a two-year starter at guard on the basketball team. Prior to transferring to Cal Baptist, he started for two seasons at Phoenix College from 2000-02.
Tyler and his wife, Kristi, currently reside in Walnut Creek, Calif. The couple has two sons, Jarren (3) and Mitchell (1).
