Lamberti comes home as West Liberty’s head coach
By John Sacco
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
For Mike Lamberti, all roads lead to West Liberty University and Hilltoppers men’s basketball.
Earlier this week, Lamberti was announced as West Liberty’s new head coach, succeeding Ben Howlett, who resigned to become coach at Indiana University Indianapolis.
Lamberti, a former standout players at South Fayette High School and West Liberty, had been head coach at Coker University, Hartsville, S.C., the last two seasons.
Lamberti’s coaching experience also includes being a West Liberty assistant coach, playing an important part in the most successful period in program history. During Lamberti’s time on staff, West Liberty compiled a 135-21 record, winning multiple Mountain East Conference regular-season and tournament championships. The Hilltoppers made several deep NCAA Division II Tournament runs, culminating in a national championship appearance in 2023.
Lamberti was a standout on South Fayette’s 2010 PIAA Class AA championship team and was the Observer-Reporter Boys Basketball Player of the Year that season. They won the state title with a 49-47 victory over Strawberry Mansion.
“South Fayette was huge for me,” Lamberti said. “I started to love basketball in the junior high ranks. I was not the easiest kid to deal with during those teenage years by any means. I liked being the school clown, making everybody laugh and getting in a little bit of trouble.
“We had some good teams in those days. We won the state championship and I just liked having those experiences of section titles and winning a state championship with my buddies, who I had good relationships with. It kind of inspired me. I think that was the first foundation block of who I’ve now turned into as I go around this basketball journey. It’s been a crazy ride for about 20 years now.”
At Coker, the team reached several program milestones, including setting a new school record by averaging 100.1 points per game – ranking third nationally – and posting single-game records for points (120 vs. Mars Hill) and three-pointers made (19 vs. Newberry).
Lamberti is coveted for his leadership, work ethic, and high basketball IQ.
“I’m honored and excited to lead a program that has meant so much to me personally and professionally,” Lamberti said. “West Liberty basketball is built on tradition, culture, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I can’t wait to get started with our players, staff, and the Topper Nation community as we build on that legacy. My family and I are thrilled to return to the Hilltop.
“It’s about locations and places. I’m all about people, and when you spend so much time at a place and have so many great memories with colleagues, administrators, athletic trainers and professors. You also meet people and build relationships in the community as you go here five years as a player and another five years as an assistant. It makes you want to come home to those family and friends and work in that type of environment.”
Brad Forshey, West Liberty’s director of athletics described Lamberti as “the epitome of a team player – loyal, professional, and deeply committed to the values that define West Liberty basketball.
“He’s a proven recruiter, a respected leader, and someone who has always put the program first. As an alum, he understands what it means to wear the Hilltopper jersey. There’s no one better suited to continue the tradition of success that defines WLU men’s basketball.”
Lamberti and his wife, Emily, a West Liberty alumnus and former women’s basketball standout – have a son, Enzo, and newborn daughter.
Lamberti feels like he’s come home.
“It’s definitely a good situation,” he added. “I’m obviously familiar with the resources that are there and I understand that you can win there. You never want to take a job and put your career or family in jeopardy.
“I know what I’m dealing with and there’s a daunting task to follow up (former coaches) Jim Crutchfield and Ben. Knowing you have the support internally and externally to keep this rolling is important. I kind of know the blueprint. It’s not that you just show up and wave the magic wand and keep it rolling. You bring your own twists, surrounding yourself with the right people.”