Pete Gash began his tenure as an assistant coach at the University of Maine in May of 2022.
During his first season in Orono, the Black Bears went from six wins to 13 wins, including the first 10-plus win season since 2013 and the best conference record since 2011.
Gash joined the Black Bears with 17 years of Division I experience at six institutions including stops at Florida Atlantic (2009-14), the University of Florida (2014-15), the University of Tennessee Chattanooga (2015-17), UMass (2017-19), LaSalle University (2019-2021), and Wagner (2021-22).
Prior to coming to the University of Maine, Gash spent a season on the bench at Wagner, where he played a role in guiding the Seahawks, who earned votes in the Associated Press Top-25 poll, to a 21-6 overall mark and a 15-3 record in conference. Along the way, the Seahawks put together the nation’s longest win-streak (17) on their way to an appearance in the Northeast Conference title game. Individually, he assisted in the development of three All-NEC selections and an All-Rookie selection, including one All-NEC First Team player and Player of the Year, Alex Morales. He spent two seasons as the Director of Player Development at LaSalle University. He played a part in the development of Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year honoree, Sherif Kenny. During his first season at LaSalle, he helped Lasalle make a five-win increase.
Gash was the lead assistant during his stint at UMass where he was charged with leading all facets of player development. Through his attention to detail and ability to grow players, he developed Luwane Pipkins into the Atlantic 10’s Most Improved Player after his scoring average increased from 10.2 points per game to 21.1.
From 2015-17, Gash served as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, leading the program to an NCAA Tournament appearance. They faced off against Indiana and his former boss, Tom Crean. The Mocs captured the Southern Conference regular season and tournament title, as well as their most wins in program history (29) in 2016. The Mocs registered 49 total wins in his two seasons on their staff. During his time at Chattanooga, Gash assisted in the development of Multiple All-SoCon Team members and a two-time Defensive Player of The Year.
In 2009, Gash joined Florida Atlantic. Before the 2011 season, Gash became one of the youngest assistant coaches in the country, a role he held until 2014. In 2011, the Owl’s earned their first National Invitational Tournament (NIT) appearance in school history, as they tied the program record for most wins in a season with 21 and earned the Sun Belt Conference regular season title. Individually, Gash mentored three All-Sun Belt selections and the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year.
After his stop at Florida Atlantic, Gash moved on to the University of Florida where he served as the team’s video coordinator for one season under Chicago Bulls Head Coach and NCAA National Championship winning head coach, Billy Donovan. Gash spent the 2007 season as the video coordinator at LaSalle for former University of Maine Head Coach, Dr. John Giannini.
In 2008, after working for former Black Bear Head Coach Dr. John Giannini, Gash joined Tom Crean’s first coaching staff at Indiana University. He helped lay down the foundation for a program that would go on to be #1 in the NCAA just four years later.
Gash, a native of Long Island, NY, spent his High School years in Bucks County, PA. He attended The Solebury School where he played with NBA Champion. Andrew Bynum at The Solebury School.
Gash earned his Bachelor's of Arts Degree in hospitality administration with a specialization in sports management from Lynn University in 2006. At Lynn University, he was on their basketball staff and helped Lynn University reach the 2005 Division II Final Four and helped lead the Fighting Knights to 29 wins, the most in School history.
Gash is married to Alexa and they are the proud parents of two daughters, Valentina and Luciana.
