Assistant Coach Chat: UTSA’s Mike Peck
For today’s edition of Assistant Coach Chat, we spoke with UTSA associate head coach Mike Peck. Coach Peck was one of Steve Henson‘s first hires back in 2016 and his career also features stops at the professional and high school levels. Some highlights from our chat below:
On why he got into coaching…
After graduating college, I spent 2 years working in the business world. During that time I realized that I HAD to get back to doing what I loved and had a passion for…basketball. Despite having played in college (Northwood University, Michigan – NCAA II), I knew my playing days were over so the next logical step for me was to coach! So, with the support of my wife, Terri, I began my coaching journey in 1996. As a former college student-athlete, I came to the realization that there were many things I loved and missed about the game…the competition, the structure and routine of practice and preparation, the camaraderie, the sense of belonging and being part of a team/program, the pageantry of games, the feeling of achievement and improvement, the never-ending pursuit of excellence.
On what he’s most proud of during his time at UTSA…
Qualifying for C-USA conference tournament each of our 5 years, qualifying for post-season play in back-to-back years (2018 and 2019), recruiting and developing UTSA’s all-time leading rebounder (Byron Frohnen), posting a 56-18 (.757) home record over 5 years, 7th most improved program in the nation in KenPom last 5 years, 1st (2019) and 3rd (2021) best UTSA teams in KenPom era, top 4 C-USA recruiting classes 2 of last 3 years and 2nd highest scoring duo in same class in NCAA history (4,631 points: Keaton Wallace and Jhivvan Jackson)
On the unrest and uncertainty of the past couple years…
Like any challenge and/or obstacle in life, with all that has occurred over the past 2 seasons (COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, political friction), perspective and priorities are two things that resonate with me. Like my dad always used to say (in tough times), “things can always be worse.” I am thankful and grateful for the health and well-being of my family and those closest to me. I am grateful that college athletics persevered and that we are and have been able to practice and compete.
On the UTSA staff’s focus for this year…
Despite our scoring efficiency over past seasons, a renewed emphasis on our team defense will afford us the opportunity to compete for a conference title. Defense travels!
On what Roadrunners’ fans should be most excited about…
As we graduated 2 of the most prolific scorers in UTSA and C-USA history (Keaton Wallace and Jhivvan Jackson), we have added 7 new and dynamic players to our program. With much added length, we will look completely different and will have the most depth we’ve had during our time at UTSA. We are excited and anxious as we prepare for what we anticipate to be a very competitive season for the Roadrunners! With the opening of our new $43 million dollar R.A.C.E. (Roadrunner Athletic Center of Excellence) building, there is a ton of excitement surrounding UTSA athletics. It is a GREAT time to be a Roadrunner! Birds up!
Special thanks to Coach Mike Peck and the UTSA Roadrunners program. If you are interesting in hearing from for more D-I assistant coaches, check out our other Assistant Coach Chats.
