CHICAGO—May 10, 2021—De La Salle Institute (De La Salle) welcomes Coach Gary DeCesare as the new Head Coach of the Boys Basketball program. DeCesare brings over 20 years of coaching experience to De La Salle. He most recently served as the Director of College Athletics Recruiting and Boys Head Coach at Gulliver Prep in Miami, Florida, where in his first season he led the team to a district championship and reached the regional championships.
“I am extremely excited to introduce Coach DeCesare as the leader of our boys basketball program,” said De La Salle Principal Thomas Schergen. “He has a proven track record of success, and we are excited to have him lead our program. Gary’s energy and passion for basketball and for developing young people in the Lasallian tradition was very apparent throughout the process. He embodies the core values of our school and athletic department, and I am confident he will make an instant connection with our student-athletes and serve as an exemplary role model to them.”
In addition to his coaching experience, DeCesare is an accomplished educator and leader. For 17 years, he began his career in education and coaching at his alma mater Saint Raymond High School in the Bronx, New York—formerly a De La Salle Christian Brothers school in the Lasallian mission. DeCesare has vast experience in education at both the collegiate and high school levels having taught computer science and physical education, led athletic departments, and directed facilities and operations.
“Gary brings to De La Salle a strong resume in educational leadership and community service” said President Fr. Paul Novak, OSM. “He will join our team of educators by taking on several leadership roles including the Head Boys Basketball Coach and Director of College Athletic Recruiting and Athletic Facilities Coordinator. Gary is well respected in the coaching community for the basketball programs he has led at the University of Richmond, DePaul University, and St. Rita High School. His experience, abilities, and passion for a Lasallian education make him the perfect fit for our program.”
DeCesare has a proven track record of putting his students first. He has been responsible for building and maintaining a positive, safe school climate and implementing successful student recruitment strategies.
“It is an exciting time for De La Salle Basketball and I am humbled to be the new Head Basketball Coach,” said DeCesare. “I am grateful to the school’s administration—Fr. Paul Novak and Tom Schergen—and I look forward to carrying out the great Lasallian tradition. I started my career at a Christian Brothers school and I look forward to finishing my career at another Christian Brothers school. Together with my staff, we will work tirelessly to build on the foundation that Coach White built and I look forward to teaming up with these amazing student-athletes to make everyone in the De La Salle community proud.”
DeCesare received his BBA from Iona College and his MA from St. John’s University. He resides in La Grange with his wife Pam, twin boys, Gary and TJ, and daughter, Amanda.
De La Salle Institute, founded by the Brothers of the Christian schools, has served the students of Chicagoland for over 130 years making it the third oldest Catholic High School in the Archdiocese of Chicago. De La Salle fosters the Lasallian values of faith, service, community and a passion for academic and athletic excellence. Learn more at www.dls.org.
Media Contact:
David Terry, terryd@dls.org; 312-842-7355 x 145
