Eagles Basketball Coaches
Head Coach: Doug Boxell (1st season)
Email: dboxell@ozarks.edu
Doug Boxell, the winner of five High School state championships in Texas, was named the new head men’s basketball coach at the University of the Ozarks, beginning with the 2009-2010 season.
Boxell has spent the last 13 years as the head boy’s basketball coach at Ponder High School where he won three state championships, including back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. 12 of his 13 teams won district titles. Boxell has also served as the school’s athletic director the past five years.
His extensive Texas coaching experience spans nearly 25 years, including two other stops that resulted in state championships. Prior to Ponder High School, Boxell spent two seasons at Sudan High School, and led the Hornets to a state title in 1995. His first head coaching stint was at Santo High School, where he spent five years and won the state title in 1990. He also had stops at Lampasas High School, Neches High School and Alpine High School. He owns an impressive 670-175 (.792) career record.
“Ozarks is a great university where student-athletes can receive a solid education and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. This university will not only prepare you for your profession, but also for the game of life."
Boxell will emphasize fundamentals, sound defense and team play.
"Our focus will be on developing a team that is like a family. We want players that understand how to make their teammates better players. Prepare to win. Players must first learn how to set goals, stay focused, work hard and be diligent in order to be successful."
During his career, 23 of his teams have made the playoffs, with 17 of those winning district championships. He guided 16 of his teams to the regional tournament and seven made state tournament appearances. He was the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Coach of the Year twice and District Coach of the Year 14 times. He was named the Denton Record Chronicle and Fort Worth Star-Telegram Coach of the Year three times. In 1990, he was the head coach of the TABC All-Star game.
Boxell received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from University of North Texas in 1980. He has a master’s degree in Physical Education from Sam Houston State University.
Boxell and his wife, Jeananne, are the parents of four sons.
Assistant Coach: Luke Hammond (3rd season)
Email: lhammond@ozarks.edu
Luke Hammond begins his third season as the assistant men’s basketball coach. A native of Yorktown, Va., Hammond played at Averett University in Danville, Va., for three years. He was team captain his junior season. He was a student assistant at Averett during the 2006-2007 season, helping the Cougars earn a spot in the NCAA III tournament for the first time in 17 years. Hammond’s summer camp experience includes working with the Prep All-Stars Camp in Nashville, Tenn., Blacksburg, Va. and Charlotte, N.C. Hammond graduated from York High School (Va.) and received Second Team All-Conference honors his senior season. He is a 2007 graduate of Averett University where he majored in Physical Education.