After 10 seasons and 243 career wins as a head men’s basketball coach, Mike Leeder is leaving his seat on the court for the Georgia Southwestern State University Hurricanes.

Since June 2014, Leeder has served in a dual role as head men’s basketball coach and athletic director. He will remain as the University’s athletic director, focusing his attention on and raising funds for all 10 Hurricane sports. A national search is underway to fill the head men’s basketball coach position.

“I would like to thank Dr. Patterson for his support as I transition into my new role as a full-time administrator,” Leeder said. “Although I will miss the head-to-head competition that coaching provided, I am anxious to devote all of my time and energy to moving our athletic department forward. I’m looking forward to working with our coaches, community and university to provide the best student-athlete experience possible.”

Leeder and Interim President Charles Patterson are committed to increasing support for and adding to the successful reputation of Hurricane Athletics.

“It is a difficult job for anyone in Division II athletics to combine coaching responsibilities with all the expectations demanded of an athletic director,” said Patterson. “Dedicated leadership at the position of athletic director is required for the University’s continued advancement as a state university and for the benefit of all of our student-athletes.”
Leeder has been head men’s basketball coach for the Hurricanes since 2006. Under his leadership, GSW has placed 12 players on the Peach Belt All-Conference men’s basketball team. He has coached two PBC Freshmen of the Year, 10 PBC Players of the Week, and GSW’s first All-American in any sport during the department’s NCAA era. Leeder was named the 2010-11 PBC Coach of the Year.

GSW has spent 13 weeks in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll during his tenure, and Leeder has steered the Hurricanes to a pair of NCAA National Tournament appearances.

Previously, Leeder served as head men’s basketball coach at Longwood University (1999-2003); associate men’s basketball coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College (1998-99); head men’s basketball coach and athletic director at Thomas University (1994-98); and assistant basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at Tallahassee Community College (1990-94).

“I especially want to thank all of my former players and assistant coaches who helped make the job of coaching so enjoyable,” said Leeder. “I was truly blessed to be able to spend so much time around a game that has meant so much to me as both a player and coach.

“And finally,” he added, “I would like to say a special thank you to my wife, Jodie, who has allowed me to chase my dream of coaching basketball for the past two decades.”

Leeder holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Florida State University, and a Master of Science degree in education from Nova Southeastern University. He and his wife have two children, Michael and Alyssa.