Lakeland University Athletics

Sam Schroeder returns in 2021-22 for his fifth year as head coach of the Lakeland men’s basketball team.

Schroeder took over as coach in 2017 after six years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator with the program. He has 48 wins in his first four years as head coach while leading Lakeland teams that have ranked among the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference and NCAA leaders in a number of statistical categories.

The Muskies finished 7-8 in the 2020-21 season, which was disrupted and shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lakeland finished in a tie for fourth in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference North Division and qualified for the NACC North playoffs, its third time in four years qualifying for the conference tournament. The Muskies also led the conference in three-pointers made for the third time in four years.

Lakeland finished 13-13 in 2019-20 and placed fourth in the NACC to net a home game in the first round of the NACC Tournament, winning seven of their final 10 games to close the regular season. Schroeder’s Muskies also finished 12-13 overall in his second season and just missed the NACC Tournament with a 10-10 league mark. Lakeland led the conference in fewest turnovers for the second straight year and also was second in the conference in three-pointers made. The Muskies also ranked eighth in NCAA Division III in fewest total turnovers and 19th in fewest turnovers/game.

In Schroeder’s first year as head coach, the Muskies finished 16-10, doubling their wins total from the previous year and posting their winning season in the eight years. Lakeland led the NACC 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. 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 regular season title in 2013 and played in two 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.

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.