Michael Hunter joined the Urbana men's basketball program in July as assistant coach for the 2015-16 season. Hunter most recently coached at NAIA Goshen College (Indiana) where he served as assistant coach for two seasons.

“Michael is the type of coach you need in your program if you want to be successful,” Urbana men's basketball head coach Rob Summers said. “He is a relentless recruiter and will assist the program greatly with his on-court development of our players. Being a former collegiate basketball player from this area will allow him to relate to our guys and give the team the competitive edge it needs.”

A native of nearby Columbus, Ohio, Hunter was a two-year starter at power forward for nationally-ranked Columbus State Community College. He moved on to Ohio Northern where he started every game and helped guide the Polar Bears to a 40-11 record from 2005-2007.

As Goshen’s top assistant coach, Hunter served as the program’s recruiting coordinator, academic coordinator and strength coach. He played a significant role in the team’s 10-game win improvement from 2013-14 to 2014-15, while coaching two all-conference post players. Hunter also directed the Leaf’s offseason basketball camps.

Prior to his job at Goshen, Hunter spent three years with Heidelberg’s men’s basketball team working with post players from 2010-2013.

Hunter started his coaching career at his alma mater Ohio Northern after his playing days were through. He took on the role of team manager and was responsible for overseeing practices and coordinating team travel. A year later, he was promoted to student-assistant coach.

Over the past 10 years, Hunter has worked for the Next Level Basketball School. He was also active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes during his time at Heidelberg.

Hunter graduated from Whetstone High School where he earned all-conference and all-district honors on the court. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management at ONU and received his master’s in education at Heidelberg.

Hunter has one daughter and enjoys spending time with family, traveling, listening to music and watching movies.