SBU Hires New Men's and Women's Basketball Coaches

Tomas Brock and Matt Bollant to lead Bearcat basketball programs

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:26pm

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Southwest Baptist University (SBU) has announced the hiring of Tomas Brock as the new head coach of the men's basketball program and Matt Bollant as the new head coach of the women's basketball program. Brock, a former Bearcat player, returns to his alma mater after a successful stint as head coach at Columbia College. Bollant brings extensive experience as a women's college basketball head coach, including over 475 career wins and 12 postseason appearances.

Why it matters

The hiring of Brock and Bollant represents an important moment for SBU athletics as the university looks to revitalize its men's and women's basketball programs. Both coaches have strong track records of success and are expected to bring renewed energy and vision to the Bearcat basketball teams.

The details

Tomas Brock, a former Bearcat player, returns to SBU after seven seasons as the head coach at Columbia College, where he compiled a 156-59 overall record and won two regular season and two conference tournament championships. Matt Bollant joins SBU after 24 seasons as a women's college head coach, including a highly successful five-year stint at Wisconsin-Green Bay where he led the team to five Horizon League titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances.

  • Brock and Bollant will be officially introduced as the new SBU basketball coaches at a press conference on Friday, March 27th at 10 a.m.

The players

Tomas Brock

The new head coach of the SBU men's basketball program, Brock is a former Bearcat player who returns to his alma mater after seven successful seasons as the head coach at Columbia College.

Matt Bollant

The new head coach of the SBU women's basketball program, Bollant brings 24 seasons of experience as a women's college head coach, including a highly successful stint at Wisconsin-Green Bay where he led the team to five conference titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances.

Clark Sheehy

The SBU Director of Athletics who announced the hiring of Brock and Bollant, expressing excitement about the vision and experience the new coaches will bring to the Bearcat basketball programs.

Dr. Rick Melson

The SBU president who was praised by Bollant for his passion and vision for the university's athletics programs.

Ben McCollum

The current head coach of the Iowa men's basketball team, who praised Brock as a "rising star in college basketball" and a "perfect fit" for SBU.

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What they’re saying

“Returning to Bolivar, Mo. as the head coach of the SBU Bearcats is a dream come true. I took pride in wearing the Bearcat uniform and representing this University as a player and now, I'll take pride in bringing that same passion and commitment to the sidelines.”

— Tomas Brock, SBU Men's Basketball Head Coach

“I am so excited to be the head coach at Southwest Baptist University! I am humbled by this amazing opportunity.”

— Matt Bollant, SBU Women's Basketball Head Coach

“Tomas is a rising star in college basketball! He has won throughout his entire career. Most importantly Tomas cares deeply about the players he coaches. This along with his strong Christian Faith make him the perfect fit at Southwest Baptist University”

— Ben McCollum, Iowa Head Men's Basketball Coach

“There's something special about coming home. I'm thrilled for Tomas and his family as he returns to Southwest Baptist University, where he made such a tremendous impact on the Bearcats historically successful teams during his playing career.”

— Ja Havens, Northeastern Oklahoma State Head Men's Basketball Coach

“Tomas is one of the best and brightest coaches in the game. His consistent success is to be admired. He is committed to mentoring and serving each of his students as they work to achieve their athletic and academic goals. His coaching is anchored by his commitment to his faith, his family, and servant-leadership. He will be an outstanding addition to the SBU community!”

— Bob Burchard, Former Columbia College AD & NAIA Hall of Fame Coach

What’s next

The SBU community will have the opportunity to meet and welcome the new basketball coaches at the press conference on March 27th.

The takeaway

The hiring of Tomas Brock and Matt Bollant represents an exciting new era for SBU basketball, as the university has brought in two experienced and successful coaches who are committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the court and aligning with the university's Christian mission.