Bechler Takes over Varsity Boys Basketball Program

The Eastern Mennonite School Athletic Department is excited to announce Brett Bechler ‘18 as the new Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach. 

“I am thrilled to have Brett take over as Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach! Through his ‘relationship first’ coaching style, he will make an incredible impact not just on the Varsity team, but within the entire boys basketball program. Athletes will be coached to be the best players they can be, and will be pushed to be even better humans. I can’t wait to walk into the gym and see players having fun flying around the floor, picking each other up and doing it all with a smile on their face!” reflected EMS Athletic Director, Andrew Gascho.

“We had a lot of interest in this position but are excited to have an alumni and member of the Hall of Flames leading the program. Brett knows how much basketball means to our school and our community, and will pour his heart into the program. Not only does he bring experience of playing at the next level, but as an exceptional athlete himself, he knows that talent alone does not create a winning culture. I am thankful to have Brett’s energy and passion for young people, his knowledge and love for EMS, and his heart and desire to create an electric team culture.” – Justin King

Bechler ’18 on the EMS court

Brett returns to a gym where he spent hours upon hours in his growing up  years. From a young age he was in the gym, and that hard work turned into an incredibly accomplished EMS basketball career. He was a four year Varsity player and was a team captain his Junior and Senior years. He was a three-time All-Conference selection and a two-time All-State Selection. He is also a member of the EMS Hall of Flames. He continued his basketball career at Lancaster Bible College.

Since returning to the Harrisonburg area he has coached Middle School Boys Basketball and JV Soccer at EMS. Relationships built with athletes during those coaching stints will help build excitement and depth in the program. 

“I am very excited about taking over the EMS basketball program! My plan is to build a cohesive program where 6th through 12th grade athletes can have the opportunity to improve every year and build on skill sets learned in previous seasons. As head coach, my goal is to create a culture that helps the boys grow in their athletic, personal and spiritual life. I grew up in the EMHS gym and it was incredibly impactful in making me who I am today, so I want to create a place that does that for the athletes that play for me.

I want to cultivate a team that is known for our work ethic, high energy play style, and selflessness. I strive to have open and clear communication amongst players and parents, and I want to be someone that the boys can turn to for more than just basketball.

Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunity I have been given to be the head coach and I can’t wait to get to work.” – Brett Bechler

Coach Bechler and the EMS Athletic Department are working to fill out a full Coaching staff for the team. Athletes, grades 6-12, can expect a full Summer Open Gym schedule to begin working on fundamentals to prepare for the exciting year to come!