Sam Schroeder enters his second season as Lakeland University’s head basketball coach after six seasons as an assistant and recruiting coordinator.
In Schroeder’s first year as head coach, the Muskies finished the 2017-18 season with a record of 16-10, doubling their wins total from the previous year and giving Lakeland its seventh winning season in the past eight years.
Schroeder’s high-powered, fast-paced offense led the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference in scoring, averaging 85.1 points per-game. The Muskies also led the league in field goals made, 3-point field goals made, total rebounds and fewest turnovers per game. Nationally, Lakeland also finished 14th among 416 NCAA Division III teams in fewest turnovers per game and 30th in scoring offense. Two Lakeland players also earned all-conference honors.
Prior to being named head coach, Schroeder served the Muskies as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for six seasons, during which Lakeland compiled a 98-61 record, posted five straight winning seasons, won a NACC title in 2013 and played in two additional conference tournament title games.
As an assistant, Schroeder helped develop two All-Americans, two all-region selections, 15 all-conference picks, a conference player of the year, the school’s all-time leading scorer and four all-freshman team honorees.
Schroeder served as head golf coach at Lakeland for four seasons, and currently is the program’s assistant coach.
Off the court, Schroeder developed and initiated the men's basketball program's Leadership, Attitude and Character Education program (LACE). LACE emphasizes creating a championship culture on and off the court. The program provides student-athletes with a foundation for success and guides them toward being positive, respectful and contributing leaders of society.
Schroeder joined the Muskies men’s basketball staff after playing for four years at Lakeland. He was a member of the Muskies' 2007-08 conference championship team, was a two-time NAC Scholar-Athlete and was named to the NAC All-Sportsmanship Team. He also received the team's Passion and Dedication Award.
Schroeder earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in 2011 and completed a master of arts in counseling with a higher education emphasis in 2013.
He is a native of Red River, Wis., and a graduate of Shawano High School.
