Bio

Appleton native Bill Beilein - SUNY Niagara's Athletic Equipment Manager - enters his 15th season as head men's basketball coach. His teams have made the Region III Div. II Final Four on 12 occasions, culminating in four regional championships (2022-23, 2021-22, 2020-21 & 2016-17). Under Beilein, the Thunderwolves have made four appearances at the NJCAA Div. II National Tournament in Danville, Ill. (2022-23, 2021-22, 2018-19 & 2016-17).

Beilein has been honored as Region III Div. II Coach of the Year six times during his tenure (2022-23, 2021-22, 2020-21, 2018-19, 2016-17 & 2011-12). He's helped develop six NJCAA All-Americans (Lamar Lovelace, 2022-23; Justin Hendrick, 2021-22; Kailee White, 2020-21; Donel Cathcart, 2017-18; Jamal Pollydore, 2016-17; Sheldon Zablotny-Crosby, 2013-14), four 1,000-point scorers (Lamar Lovelace, Donel Cathcart, Eli Jones & Robby Seyler) and more than three dozen All-Region players. Most importantly, Beilein has sent close to 50 players on to four-year colleges and universities with a majority of them earning scholarships. Included in that group are NCAA Div. I signees (Nigel Scantlebury, Central Connecticut State; LaTerrance Reed, Northwestern State; Donel Cathcart, Youngstown State; Fausto Pichardo, Alabama State; Kyle Williams, Norfolk State). 

Beilein came to SUNY Niagara after spending a season as an assistant coach under Mike MacDonald at Medaille College. The Mavericks reached the NCAA Div. III Tournament after claiming the AMCC postseason and regular-season championships. Beilein, the nephew of former Michigan head coach and Niagara County native John Beilein, also spent time on the coaching staff at: Lewiston-Porter High School, Bennett High School, University of Mobile and SUNY New Paltz. He has also coached and help organize the Harbor Hoopsters and Niagara Junior Thunderwolves AAU programs.

Beilein was a four-year letter winner at SUNY Oswego where he finished his career ranked third in steals and ninth in rebounds, while being named an Academic All-SUNYAC selection. He earned his bachelor's degree in history from SUNY Oswego and a master's degree in athletic administration from Canisius College. Beilein currently resides with his wife Natalie and their three children (Will, Bobby & Brooke) in Youngstown.

^Season shortened and condensed due to Covid-19 pandemic.