Landry Kosmalski is entering his first season as the head men's basketball coach at Swarthmore College.

Kosmalski, the 31st head coach in program history, was hired on May 4 by Marian Ware Director of Physical Education and Athletics Adam Hertz. He will join the College community full-time beginning summer 2012.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Swarthmore community and I look forward to building on the College's tradition of high achievement,” said Kosmalski. “I am confident that our student-athletes can be as successful on the basketball court as they are in the classroom, and I believe that commitment to excellence will be the driving force behind the future success of Garnet basketball."

A 2000 graduate of Davidson, Kosmalski arrives at Swarthmore after serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater from 2004-06 and 2009-12. As an assistant coach, Kosmalski helped lead the Wildcats to a pair of Southern Conference championships (2006 and 2012) and two NCAA Tournament appearances (2006 and 2012). Working primarily with post players, Kosmalski helped cultivate 2012 Southern Conference Player of the Year award winners De’Mon Brooks (coaches) and Jake Cohen (media). Kosmalski also played an integral role in the program’s recruiting, scouting and academic support.  In the five seasons that Kosmalski has worked on the Davidson coaching staff, the Wildcats have posted an overall record of 102-58.

Kosmalski had a prolific playing career at Davidson before moving to the coaching staff. One of the best big men in program history, Kosmalski was a four-year starter for the Wildcats, helping to lead the 1997-98 squad to the NCAA Tournament. Kosmalski’s playing accolades while at Davidson include All-Southern Conference First Team in 1999 and 2000, as well as the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year in 1997. He ranks third all-time at Davidson in rebounding (877), 13th in scoring (1,438), and 10th in steals (121).

"Landry is the embodiment of the best qualities of Davidson College basketball," said Davidson head coach Bob McKillop. "He was magnificent in all that he did for the program and the Davidson community. Swarthmore is very lucky to have him as their new coach. He will be superb for the student-athletes, program and entire Swarthmore community."

Between stints at Davidson, Kosmalski served as head boys’ basketball coach and dean of students at the Webb School in Nashville, Tenn. As the boys’ basketball coach at Webb, Kosmalski helped improve the team’s win total by nine games by his second season. As the dean of students, he formulated and enforced student personnel policy, served as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration, and directed all aspects of student discipline.

Kosmalski’s basketball resume also includes extensive playing and coaching experience overseas. Following his graduation from Davidson in 2000 and until 2004, Kosmalski played for several professional teams in Sweden and France. In 2006-07 before beginning at Webb, Kosmalski served as head coach of the 08 Stockholm Human Rights Basketball Club developmental team and assistant coach of the senior team.

A native of Bedford, Tex., Kosmalski and his wife, Lauren, have a nine-month-old son, Lincoln.

Brendan McShea is entering his first season as assistant coach for the men’s basketball program. A 2006 graduate of William and Mary, McShea helped the Tribe as a student coach for three years under head coach Tony Shaver. Most recently, McShea was an assistant at Allegheny College. During his coaching career, McShea has coaches three all-conference players and four players that have gone on to play professional basketball overseas.

Previously, McShea coached at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri as an assistant varsity and head JV coach, and at the Virginia Episcopal school, where he helped guide the program to the Virginia Prep State Elite 8 on two separate occasions.