Head Coach

Jared Drake | Head Men's Basketball Coach

Jared Drake began his role as Saints Men's Basketball Head Coach in May 2025. Most recently, Coach Drake served as assistant coach at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (UAFS), where they signed eleven Division I transfers, coached three all-conference honorees and helped lead the team to a major upset victory over No. 1-ranked Washburn. 

Raised in a basketball-centric household, Drake was inspired early on by his father, Leonard Drake, who served as both associate head coach and head coach at multiple Division I programs. Jared's playing journey began at Ozen High School (Beaumont, TX) and continued at James Whitcomb Riley High School (South Bend, IN). He went on to play collegiately at Robert Morris College (Chicago, IL), earning an Associate of Applied Science in Exercise Science, before transferring to Southern University of New Orleans (LA), where he was named "Newcomer of the Year" and earned all-tournament honors. He concluded his collegiate career with a Bachelor of Arts & Science in Information Management Systems.

After a successful professional playing career that included stints with three developmental league teams, Drake began his coaching career at his alma mater. As head coach at James Whitcomb Riley High School, Drake led the program to a 19-5 record, a city championship, and a top-10 state ranking. During his tenure, he coached and developed future San Antonio Spurs point guard Blake Wesley, playing a key role in Wesley's growth and trajectory toward the NBA. Drake's path led him through several high-impact programs, including Glenwood Leadership Academy, Evansville Central High School and Bosse High School, where he helped guide teams to sectional, regional and semi-state titles, culminating in a state runner-up finish.

Drake then became the Southeastern Illinois College Men's Basketball Head Coach where he revitalized the program and helped secure their first conference wins in multiple seasons. Afterwards, in 2016, Drake transitioned to associate head coach at Philander Smith College (Little Rock, AR), working alongside NBA veteran Todd Day. The duo led the team to a conference championship appearance and earned Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors. During this time, Drake also completed his Master of Science in Coaching Education from Ohio University in 2018. 

His coaching influence also extends into elite grassroots basketball through his work with the prestigious Indy Heat EYBL program. Over the years, Drake has mentored and developed numerous high-level athletes, including NBA G League standout Bryson Warren (Sioux Falls Skyforce) and Tylor Perry (904 Raptors).

Widely respected for his passion for player development, attention to detail, and ability to build authentic relationships, Coach Drake brings a comprehensive skill set that includes scouting, recruiting, individualized training, offensive and defensive concept development and film analysis to St. Scholastica. Most importantly, he leads purposefully, investing in the personal and holistic growth of every student-athlete under his care.