Thomas Orr Named New Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Lyon College

Lyon College has announced the hiring of Thomas Orr as the new head coach of the Scots men’s basketball program.

Lyon College Athletic Director Kevin Jenkins made the announcement saying Orr brings strong leadership, energy, and extensive coaching experience to the program.

“We are extremely excited to have Coach Orr join our athletic department and lead our men’s basketball program,” Jenkins said. “Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge and a high level of energy that will be a great fit for our student-athletes and the Lyon College community.”

Orr joins Lyon College after serving as an assistant coach at NCAA Division III member Trinity University where he helped guide the Tigers to the second round of the NCAA National Tournament.

He brings more than a decade of coaching experience including stops at Texas Lutheran University, University of the Ozarks, Howard Payne University, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Orr also served as head boys basketball coach at Buffalo High School in Texas and coached in the Longview Independent School District.

Orr said he is excited for the opportunity to lead the Scots program.

“I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at Lyon College,” Orr said. “My vision is to build a program that reflects the identity of the institution — competitive, disciplined, connected, and committed to development both on and off the court.”

During his coaching career, Orr has coached multiple players to conference and national recognition. This past season at Trinity University, 5 players earned All-SAA honors including the conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Before entering coaching, Orr played collegiate basketball at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where he helped lead the team to a Division III National Championship runner-up finish in 2013.

Lyon College officials say they look forward to the future of Scots basketball under Orr’s leadership as he begins building relationships across campus and throughout the Batesville community.

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