Tag Archives: college sports

University of Los Angeles College of Divinity Announces the Retirement of Coach Michael Miller

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — With the 2025–26 college basketball season underway, long-time university, junior college and high school coach Michael Miller has formally retired from coaching, concluding a distinguished career spanning more than three decades and more than 750 victories, the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity announced today.

Image caption: Coach Miller and team after claiming THE ONLY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF 2020 for The University of Los Angeles College of Divinity.

Coach Miller, one of the most successful and respected coaches in California basketball history, and the first coach to win a state title at the high school and junior college levels, previously stepped away from the sidelines following the 2023–24 season due to medical issues. After recovery and reflection, Miller has now confirmed that he will not return to active coaching and will officially transition into retirement.

“After time of recovery and reflection, the timing feels right,” Miller said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to lead, teach and learn. In retirement, I hope to focus on mentoring young coaches, consulting athletic programs, and supporting leadership development initiatives rooted in faith, education, and community leadership.”

Known for transformational leadership and sustained excellence at every level of the game—from high school to junior college to university to pro—Miller concludes his coaching career with over 750 career wins and a legacy defined by discipline, faith, excellence, and service.

UNIVERSITY OF LOS ANGELES COLLEGE OF DIVINITY (2017–2024)

Miller most recently completed seven seasons as head basketball coach at the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) in Compton, California, where his leadership elevated the program to national prominence.

Between 2018 and 2022, Miller’s ULACD teams compiled a remarkable 105–8 record, representing the second-best winning percentage of any four-year college basketball program in the United States during that span.

During the 2019–20 season, Miller guided ULACD to the ACCA National Championship, finishing with a dominant 30–1 record. With this accomplishment, Miller became the first coach in history to win state championships at the high school and junior college level and a national championship at the four-year college level. His tenure at ULACD was marked by championships, consistency, academic accountability, and a commitment to holistic player development.

“Coach Miller’s leadership and vision transformed ULACD athletics,” said Dr. Luther Guynes, President of the University of Los Angeles. “He built a culture of excellence, character, and championship performance. His legacy will inspire generations to come.”

DOMINANCE AT LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE (1992–2008)

Over 16 seasons at Los Angeles City College (LACC), Miller led the program to unprecedented success, becoming the winningest coach in school history in every measurable category.

His achievements at LACC include:

Most career wins
Highest winning percentage
14 consecutive conference championships (1993–2007)
Most Final Eight appearances with eight and State Championship victories with the only two in the 100+ year history of the college
Most NCAA Division I transfers

Image caption: THE ONLY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS OF 2020 – The University of Los Angeles College of Divinity.

From 1999 to 2007, Miller’s teams posted a historic 241–38 (.864) record, surpassing all NCAA Division I programs nationwide during the same period. The 14 consecutive conference championships were later matched only by University of Kansas, under Bill Self, surpassing even the legendary UCLA teams coached by John Wooden.

HIGH SCHOOL ROOTS AND EARLY ACHIEVEMENTS

Miller began his coaching career as the youngest head basketball coach in California history at age 22 at Cathedral High School, where he led the program to its best two-year run in the school’s 100-year history of the school.

He later guided Ribet Academy to two consecutive CIF Championships and a Division V State Title, earning one of the highest winning percentages in California high school basketball history.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE

Over 750 career victories
18-time Coach of the Year honoree
Eight teams with 30 or more wins in a single season
First California coach to win State Championships at both the high school and college levels
Led the Los Angeles Skyline to an undefeated 17–0 season and CBA Championship while serving as Commissioner and Head Coach (2016–17)
Youngest high school head coach in California (age 22)
Youngest college head coach in the United States (age 27)

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, SCHOLARSHIP, AND SERVICE

Coach Miller’s impact extends far beyond wins and championships. He holds five college degrees, including a Doctorate in Religious Studies, reflecting a lifelong commitment to scholarship, spiritual formation, and servant leadership.

His leadership at the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity aligned closely with the institution’s mission to train servant-leaders who excel spiritually, intellectually, and practically in ministry and lay vocation.

“Basketball has given me more than I could ever give back,” Miller said. “It’s never been about the scoreboard. It’s always been about who my players became when the lights dimmed,” Miller said. “I am deeply grateful to every athlete, every school, and every community I’ve been blessed to serve.”

Learn more about ULACD at: http://universityoflosangeles.org/

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0204-s2p-ulacd-300dpi.webp

Photo caption: Coach Miller and team after claiming THE ONLY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF 2020 for The University of Los Angeles College of Divinity.

NEWS SOURCE: University of Los Angeles College of Divinity

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (University of Los Angeles College of Divinity), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/university-of-los-angeles-college-of-divinity-announces-the-retirement-of-coach-michael-miller/

Aztec Link Vodka Launches to Support San Diego State University Student-Athletes

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Aug. 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Craft & Cause today announced the launch of Aztec Link Vodka, a premium spirit developed in collaboration with Aztec Link to provide support for San Diego State University Student-Athletes. With every bottle sold, $3 will be contributed to Aztec Link, helping fund Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities that benefit SDSU student-athletes.

Image caption: Aztec Link Vodka by Craft and Cause.

“Aztec Link Vodka represents a unique opportunity for alumni, fans, and the broader San Diego community to make a meaningful impact,” said SDSU alum Tanner Briggs, Partner/Head of Production. “By choosing this product, consumers are directly contributing to the success and development of Aztec student-athletes, both in competition and in their future endeavors.”

“We are thrilled to work with Craft & Cause on this innovative initiative. We can’t wait for Aztec fans to try this premium product and to be able to support Aztec Link and the Aztec athletics in a new way,” said SDSU alum Mike Colman, Aztec Link Director of Operations.

The initiative will be supported through regional retail and hospitality partnerships, alumni athlete promotions, and community events throughout San Diego. By combining a high-quality product with a purpose-driven mission, Aztec Link Vodka provides an alternative path for supporters to engage with and invest in the university’s athletic programs.

Aztec Link Vodka is now available at select retailers, restaurants, and bars across the San Diego area. Please check our website https://www.azteclink.vodka/ for the latest locations that sell or serve Aztec Link Vodka.

About Aztec Link:

Aztec Link is an NIL Organization that supports San Diego State Athletics. Its mission is to create and fund opportunities that empower athletes to maximize their potential, build their personal brands, and positively impact the community. https://www.azteclink.com/.

About Craft & Cause:

Craft & Cause is a California based producer with the ability to supply clients with private label opportunities and specialty spirits. Our products are distilled from Napa Valley, CA grown grapes using only the finest ingredients. Our focus is to bring authentic and quality driven products to our customers at an affordable cost.

DISCLAIMERS:

This product is independently produced and distributed by Craft and Cause. San Diego State University is not affiliated with the production, ownership, or sale of this item. Proceeds from sales benefit SDSU Student-Athletes through Aztec Link.

Must be 21 years or older to purchase. Please drink responsibly. All alcohol sales will comply with the regulations of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. This promotion does not incentivize or reference the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

NEWS SOURCE: Aztec Link LLC

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Aztec Link LLC), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/aztec-link-vodka-launches-to-support-san-diego-state-university-student-athletes/

University of Los Angeles College of Divinity Captures The First National Championship of March Madness

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In only its third season of fielding a men's basketball team the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) overcomes all odds to win the ACCA national championship in Joplin, Missouri.

Despite an overall season record of 27-1 ULACD received a four (4) seed entering the first National Championship tournament of March Madness March 4-7, 2020 hosted by the Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri.

In the first game ULACD faced off against fifth seed Baptist Bible College from Missouri, the Alma Mater of famed evangelist Jerry Falwell. Baptist Bible College came into the game with a record of 16-7 led by Missouri Hall of Fame coach Darin Meinders. Despite playing less than an hour away from their campus in Springfield, Missouri, Baptist Bible College fell 106-92 to ULACD in a sloppy high scoring hard played contest. Both teams combined for 39 turnovers and 45 fouls but ULACD led at half time 53-38 and dominated with points at the free throw line 26-11.

ULACD was led by Jerron Wilbut's 37 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Wilbut went 13/15 from the free throw line, missing his last two throws and 4/6 from the 3 point line. Junior point guard KV Myricks scored 20 points while grabbing 7 rebounds and handing out 3 assists. Back-up forward Johan Meclot came off the bench and recorded a double-double of 10 rebounds and 10 points with 2 assists. Second team All-American Troy Biglow scored 11 points in only 13 minutes of action while battling foul trouble. Kelton Conway added 12 points and 6 rebounds as he was the fifth ULACD player to be in double Figures.

In the end ULACD followed coach Miller's formula of establishing superior field goal percentage shooting almost 61% while holding Baptist Bible College to only 39%. Baptist Bible College was only able to stay in the game by shooting an amazing 48 3 point field goals.

In the National Semi-Final ULACD faced Off against number 1 seed Champion Christian College (CCC) from Hot Springs, Arkansas and their coach Leonard Epps. ULACD and CCC played an entertaining back and forth affair with 12 lead changes and 5 ties. ULACD was down 41-37 while Shooting only 34% at half but outscored the top seeded team by 12 while shooting 60.7% in the second half 47-35.

ULACD finally prevailed 84-76 winning the assist matchup 19 to 11 while shooting 16/19 from the free throw line. ULACD was led by Sophomore second team All-American Troy Biglow's dominating performance with 30 points and 15 rebounds in 40 minutes of game action. Honorable Mention All-American KV Myricks had another stellar effort of 18 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Playing a complete game Despite shooting only 1/6 at the three point line, Senior Jerron Wilbut nearly had a triple double with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Kelton Conway again talked double figures with 15 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 30 minutes of action.

In the Championship game ULACD took on the home team Ozark Christian College (OCC) and their veteran coach Chris Lahm, an excellent Coach with over 600 career wins at the Four-Year college level. Although the home crowd loudly cheered OCC throughout, the visiting team from Compton, California finally prevailed 97-89.

ULACD led at halftime 52-45 despite having cumbersome foul trouble. Despite being the smaller Team ULACD won the battle of the boards in the first half 19-17 and had 13 first assists at half time compared to only 4 for OCC. ULACD also won the shooting percentage war shooting 54.5% from the floor compared to 45% for OCC; and 54.5% from the three point line compared to 38.5% for OCC.

In the final stanza ULACD outscored OCC 45-44 while shooting 44.7% to 42.9% for the home team. ULACD overcame an outstanding free throw effort by OCC who made 22/24 foul shots for the game. OCC with a bigger and deeper team, ultimately won the battle of the boards in the end 43-38. ULACD won the assist battle 20-13 in the end.

Leading the team to victory for ULACD was tournament MVP and 1st team All-American Jerron Wilbut who tallied 31 points, 5 assists and 8 rebounds. OCC played excellent defense causing the ULACD starting backcourt, of Juniors Dupree Mitchell and KV Myricks, to combine for a season low 10 points. Reserve freshman guard Devone Brown scored 11 points and added 4 rebounds off the bench.

The difference in the game was the ULACD starting forwards, both Junior College transfers. Junior small forward Kelton Conway was the key to the game making 5/10 three point field goals, while adding 8 rebounds and 5 assists for a total of 22 points. Complimenting Conway was fellow El Camino Real HS graduate sophomore forward Troy Biglow who added 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in limited Minutes due to fouling out. Reserve senior forward Johan Meclot came off the bench and played outstanding defense while grabbing 6 rebounds and scoring 6 difference making points.

The exciting championship game had 6 lead changes. In the end and Against all odds ULACD cut down the nets and captured their first National Championship in only their third year of having a men's basketball program.

In the victory, ULACD Head Coach Michael Miller made history by becoming the first coach to win a high school state title, a junior college state title and a national title.

Coach Miller was the first Coach in the history of California to coach both a high school (Ribet Academy 1990-91) and junior college teams (Los Angeles City College 1997-98 and 2002-03) to state titles.

With ULACD's surprising string of victories in the ACCA's 38th annual national tournament; Coach Miller's added national championship (ULACD 2019-20) set a new trifecta record never before achieved by any basketball coach.

More information on ULACD: http://universityoflosangeles.org/

In only its third season of fielding a men's basketball team the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) overcomes all odds to win the ACCA national championship in Joplin, Missouri.

Related link: http://www.universityoflosangeles.org/