JOHNSON, VT. – Vermont State University Johnson Athletics announces the promotion of David Ellerbee to the position of Head Men's Basketball Coach for the VTSU Johnson Badgers.
Ellerbee, who has been a pillar of the university's basketball programs for the past four seasons, will transition from his role as Assistant Coach to take over head coaching responsibilities effective immediately. In addition to guiding the men's basketball program, Ellerbee will expand his administrative footprint within the athletic department by overseeing game day event management.
Ellerbee succeeds Alfred Johnson, whom he accompanied to VTSU Johnson in the Fall of 2021 as an assistant. Together, they rounded out an impressive coaching staff that has propelled the Badgers to excellence.
Throughout his four-year tenure, Ellerbee demonstrated a unique dual commitment to the department, serving concurrently as the assistant coach for both the men's and women's basketball programs, while also anchoring the front office as the SHAPE Coordinator.
"It is with great pleasure that we have promoted David Ellerbee to the position of Head Men's Basketball Coach for VTSU Johnson. His experience, love for the students, the game and for VTSU Johnson goes unmatched," said the Athletic Director, Greg Eckman. "With Coach David Ellerbee at the helm for the Badgers, I feel extremely confident for the future of Men's Basketball at VTSU Johnson."
Ellerbee's tactical decision making and player-development expertise have been driving forces behind the program's recent historic milestones. Working closely with the players for both the men's and women's teams, he was instrumental in establishing strategies and concepts that redefined the Badgers' identity on the court. Under his guidance, the men's program developed two North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Freshman of the Year recipients and multiple NAC All-Conference selections.
This development culminated in a historic 2024-25 campaign, where Ellerbee helped lead the men's program to its highest height since joining the NCAA. The Badgers captured the NAC West Division Championship title and competed in the program's first-ever NAC Men's Basketball Championship game.
"I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with David early in his career at Johnson during many road trips the men's and women's basketball team shared," the Athletic Director, Greg Eckman noted. "We had the opportunity to talk about basketball, his philosophy of the game, practice strategies, NCAA, WNBA, NBA—you name it; we talked about it. David has a true love for the student athletes he coaches and has the opportunity to work with. He loves the game of basketball and has devoted his life to being in it."
Beyond his on-court tactical contributions, Ellerbee has been a constant champion for the holistic development of Johnson student athletes. He has consistently shown a profound commitment to the student body through academic mentorship, organizing community service events, and supporting campus life through the Athletics and Recreation Office. His multidimensional experience makes him extremely qualified to step into his new expanded role managing game day operations for the university's sports programs.
With Ellerbee now steering the men's program, the Badgers look to build upon their historic championship window and continue their trajectory as a premier contender in the North Atlantic Conference.