Celebration of Life - February 4, 2026 - Click to RSVP
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Bill Courtney New Life Foundation

Coach Bill Courtney

May 4, 1970 - January 13, 2026

"He lifted so many people with his spirit and was always the happiest and most passionate guy in the room."

Learn About Our Mission

A Legacy of Excellence

Coach Bill Courtney at Cornell

For over 30 years, Coach Bill Courtney dedicated his life to the game of basketball and the young people he mentored. From his playing days at Bucknell to coaching some of college basketball's most memorable teams, Bill's impact extended far beyond wins and losses.

His infectious joy, unwavering belief in his players, and ability to see potential where others didn't made him one of the most beloved coaches in college basketball. Bill didn't just build basketball programsโ€”he built people, families, and legacies that will endure for generations.

Journey Through Excellence

Bill Courtney at Bucknell

1988-1992: Bucknell University

All-Patriot League Player

  • Set single-season scoring record: 619 points
  • Graduated with 1,499 career points (Top 10 all-time)
  • First-team All-Patriot League (1991, 1992)
  • Inducted into Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame (2007)
  • Degree in Education

1992-1994: Professional Basketball

International Player

  • Philadelphia Spirit (USBL)
  • Milwaukee Bucks Summer League
  • Hong Kong Professional League MVP
  • 1993 Asian All-Star Game MVP
Bill Courtney at George Mason

1997-2005: George Mason University

Assistant & Associate Head Coach

  • Lead recruiter for historic 2006 Final Four team
  • Recruited Tony Skinn (current GMU head coach)
  • Recruited Lamar Butler (current GMU director of player development)
  • Two CAA regular-season titles
  • NCAA Tournament appearances (1999, 2001)
  • "The coordinator of building the first mid-major program to make the Final Four in modern basketball"
Bill Courtney coaching at Cornell

2010-2016: Cornell University

Head Coach

  • Robert E. Gallagher '44 Head Coach
  • Led dramatic turnaround in 2014-15 season
  • Picked to finish last, finished fifth
  • Built lasting relationships with players and community
  • Known for team unity - singing "Lean on Me" with players
Bill Courtney at Miami

2019-2025: University of Miami

Assistant Coach โ†’ Associate Head Coach โ†’ Interim Head Coach

  • 2023: Final Four Appearance
  • Offensive Coordinator for top-ranked offense
  • Three NCAA Tournament appearances
  • Elite Eight appearance (2022)
  • Reunited with Jim Larraรฑaga
  • Promoted to Associate Head Coach (2022)
  • Named Interim Head Coach (Dec 2024)

2025-2026: Temple University

Assistant Coach

  • Joined Temple bringing 30+ years of experience
  • "Made such a big impact on our program in such a short time"
  • Known for joy, preparation, and commitment to excellence

Career Achievements

30+
Years in Coaching
2
Final Four Appearances
10
Programs Coached
9
Postseason Tournaments

In Their Words

"Bill Courtney is one of the reasons I came to George Mason. He lifted so many people with his spirit and he was always the happiest and most passionate guy in the room."

- Tony Skinn, George Mason Head Coach

"He was one of the most respected coaches in the country - thoughtful, prepared, and deeply committed to the game and to winning the right way. Bill made every program he touched better."

- Adam Fisher, Temple Head Coach

"I'm looking for someone I could spend the rest of my life with... Bill Courtney was perfect for that."

- Jim Larraรฑaga, Hall of Fame Coach

"Bill Courtney's never had a bad day in his life."

- Kevin Kelley, Longtime Friend

Our Mission

The Bill Courtney New Life Foundation is dedicated to empowering the next generation through impactful programs and services. We offer scholarships, mentorship, and free camps to provide young individuals with valuable opportunities to participate in youth sports and social engagement.

Our foundation facilitates access to college and university programs, ensuring that education remains a priority. We extend support to single-parent households by assisting with program fees, equipment, and other essential resources, thereby eliminating obstacles that hinder children's participation in youth activities.

Our ultimate goal is to cultivate an environment where the youth can flourish physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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Scholarships

Providing educational scholarships and facilitating access to college and university programs to ensure education remains a priority for young people.

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Mentorship

Offering guidance and mentorship programs that help young individuals develop leadership skills and reach their full potential.

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Free Camps & Youth Sports

Hosting free camps and providing opportunities for youth to participate in sports and social engagement activities that build character and teamwork.

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Single-Parent Support

Assisting single-parent households with program fees, equipment, and essential resources to eliminate obstacles that hinder children's participation.

Memorial Apparel

Honor Coach Courtney's legacy - All proceeds support the foundation

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Every Purchase Helps

Your shirt purchase provides scholarships, free camps, and resources for youth who need it most - continuing Coach Courtney's mission of believing in others.