Rob Summers is set to lead the Cleveland State men's basketball team as their new head coach, confirmed by the university's Director of Athletics, Kelsie Gory Harkey. Cleveland State University announced the decision yesterday, with Summers taking over as the 18th head coach in the program's history.
With a tenure that includes guiding the Vikings through a resurgence period from 2019 to 2022, Cleveland State welcomed Summers back into the fold. "We are thrilled to welcome Rob Summers, his wife Emelie, and his children Robert, Marina and Genoveva back to Cleveland State as our new men’s basketball coach,” Gory Harkey stated in the Cleveland State University press release, indicating the personal investment the university community has made in Summers and his family.
During his previous stint as an assistant coach, Summers played an integral role in the team's offensive prowess, helping them significantly increase their scoring average. His efforts were foundational in leading Cleveland State to clinch the Horizon League title and secure their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2009.
The process of selecting the right candidate was rigorous and national in scope, according to the Director of Athletics. "We had great conversations with outstanding candidates from across the country, and Coach Summers stood out as the right leader for our program as we continue to strive to win championships in the classroom, on the court and in the community,” Gory Harkey elaborated through Cleveland State University, reinforcing Summers's credentials.
Summers's Ohio roots and prior experience with the Vikings have built expectations for his performance in his new leadership role. Advocates for the team hope his return will maintain and exceed the standards set during his earlier contributions to the program.
