Rochester Christian University has promoted Quin Rice, assistant coach for men’s basketball, to take over as head coach, following Dr. Klint Pleasant’s 15-year stint as head coach.
Rice has been part of the program since joining RCU in April 2019, serving as a key part of the Warriors’ day-to-day operations. Since Rice joined the staff, the Warriors have compiled a 131-66 record, including the 2020-2021 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Championship.
Rice has served as the recruiting coordinator for the Warriors and has been instrumental in developing two NAIA All-Americans, three WHAC Newcomers of the Year, one WHAC Defensive Player of the Year, and 12 WHAC All-Conference selections.
RCU Athletic Director Clayton Bissett said, “Having watched him on and off the court for the last seven years, there is no doubt in my mind that Quin is the right man to lead this program. I am excited to watch him continue the legacy of the men’s basketball program.”
Rice came to RCU after serving as a graduate assistant at Central Michigan University, where he earned his master’s in sports administration. While a part of the CMU staff, the Chippewas recorded back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time since 1965-1967. Rice was responsible for advanced scouting, as well as aiding in the day-to-day operations of the program.
“There is a legacy here that is rooted in over 50 years of tradition laid out by both Coach Klint and Garth Pleasant, and we will forever honor the foundation that they and the hundreds of former players have laid for us,” Rice said. “This program has always been about the guys who put on the jerseys and the impact that can be made through them. That will continue to be at the core of who RCU basketball is and what it’s about. I am honored to have been entrusted with something that means so much to so many people following the completion of this season.”
Rice earned his bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University in 2017, where he also served as a student assistant and basketball operations coordinator for the Bulldogs.
Pleasant is leaving RCU after accepting the presidency of Southwestern Michigan College. “Quin is the man for the job,” he said. “He possesses all the things that RCU basketball has stood for, and he has embraced the culture through and through. His integrity, his work ethic, and his commitment to the players’ well-being are things that have earned him the position.”
Rice takes over RCU’s men’s basketball program, which has been led by a Pleasant for 53 seasons. Klint assumed leadership of the program prior to the 2011-2012 season, following the retirement of his father, Garth Pleasant, who coached the Warriors for nearly 40 years. The Warriors have a successful history, including the WHAC Regular Season Championship in 2020-2021, and six national championships when the university was part of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.
Read more here.
