Fodness joins M State as head men’s basketball coach
Veteran coach Alex Fodness has joined Minnesota State Community and Technical College as head coach of the Spartan men’s basketball team.
Fodness comes to M State after serving one season as the assistant basketball coach at Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas. The Pirates finished the season 13-10 and fell in the quarterfinals of their conference tournament.
“We’re thrilled to have Alex lead our men’s basketball team,” said Jason Retzlaff, co-athletic director at M State. “Alex has been a part of numerous top-notch basketball programs and has a clear vision for success on and off the basketball floor. He has been outstanding in recruiting, player development and building relationships throughout his coaching career.
“This is a tremendous fit, and we are very excited about the future of our men’s basketball program with Alex at the helm.”
During the 2019-20 season, Fodness was the head boy’s basketball coach and a K12 physical education teacher at Miller High School in Miller, S.D.
He previously was an assistant coach at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton for three seasons. During his time with the team, the Wildcats posted an overall record of 83-15 and won two Mon-Dak Conference and Region XIII championships. He also served as the sports information director and was a faculty member at NDSCS.
Fodness spent one season as a graduate assistant at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D., where the Tigers finished 23-11 and reached Round 16 of the NAIA DII national tournament. He got his start in coaching as a volunteer assistant coach for boy’s basketball at Castlewood High School in Castlewood, S.D.
“I’m extremely excited, humbled and grateful to be the next head men's basketball coach at M State Fergus Falls, and I’m looking forward to developing our kids academically and athletically and look to take this program to the top of the MCAC," Fodness said. "I would like to thank Dr. Matthew Borcherding and Athletic Directors Jason Retzlaff and Steve King for this tremendous opportunity. I also want to thank Bill Morosco, Justin Mann, Stu Engen and Matt Wilber for giving me opportunities to develop and learn as an assistant coach. Without them, I would not be in this position today.”
Fodness is a native of Castlewood and graduated from South Dakota State University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and in 2016 with his master’s degree in sport and recreation studies.
As a member of the Minnesota State system, M State serves more than 8,000 students in credit courses each year in more than 70 career and liberal arts programs online and at its campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena. By partnering with communities, the college also provides workforce development services and other responsive training programs.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator / employer. Upon request, this information is available in alternative formats.
