After nearly a decade of dedicated service and leadership, Life Pacific University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tim Cook has announced he will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. His departure follows the program’s most successful season since joining the NAIA and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) in 2018.
Under Coach Cook’s leadership, the Warriors achieved remarkable milestones. The 2024-25 season saw LPU finish 12-10 overall and 6-8 in conference play—just narrowly missing the GSAC tournament after a two-point loss to Embry-Riddle. It was a historic year as players Vince Fier and Rico Hopping became the first in school history to earn GSAC All-Conference honors.
Since joining LPU in 2016, Cook has served as both Head Men’s Basketball Coach and former Athletic Director. He led the Warriors to back-to-back NCCAA National Tournament appearances in his first two seasons, along with two conference tournament titles and Western Regional championships. He was instrumental in LPU’s transition to the NAIA and GSAC and amassed a collegiate head coaching record of 121-179 over 13 seasons, competing in over 50 exhibition games against NCAA Division I and II programs.
In 2024, the Warriors were invited to the prestigious 58th Outrigger Rainbow Classic, hosted by the University of Hawaii—marking the first time an LPU team competed in an NCAA Division I-hosted tournament.
Cook’s time at LPU were marked by numerous achievements:
• Five GSAC Cliff Hamlow Character Awards
• One National Player of the Year
• Two GSAC All-League Players
• 90% Graduation Rate
• Multiple student-athletes going on to play professionally
• One player who holds the all-time record in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and minutes played in LPU history
His tenure was filled with unforgettable wins, including:
• Victory over #5-ranked Warner Southern (FL) in the 2018 NCCAA National Tourney
• Road wins over nationally ranked Vanguard and Westmont in 2022 (first time in school history)
• Historic win over Hope International (ranked #20) with a 59-57 GSAC triumph
• Memorable 2019 victory over #7-ranked Arizona Christian in the last game ever played in the old gym
Beyond the stats and accolades, Coach Cook has been a spiritual and relational cornerstone for the athletics department.
Reflecting on his journey, Cook shared:
“I want to express my deepest gratitude and thanks for the past decade here at LPU. I can’t express how much this place means to me and my family. This has been my home away from home since the day I arrived. It’s been an unbelievable journey—full of miracles, discipleship, and life transformation. I will forever be an LPU Warrior and thank God daily for bringing me here and allowing me to be a part of something so special.”
LPU Athletic Director Davis Nuaimi shared,
“You cannot think of LPU Athletics without thinking of Coach Tim Cook. His impact on this campus goes far beyond basketball. He has modeled what it means to coach as a calling—to disciple, to serve, and to lead with integrity. While we are sad to see him step down, we celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind.”
President Angie Richey added,
“We celebrate Coach Tim Cook for his 10 years of dedicated leadership at Life Pacific University. Through his vision, passion, and commitment to Christ, he restored a reputable athletics program and built a culture of excellence. His influence has shaped countless student-athletes, and his legacy will inspire future generations. Thank you for 10 great years, Coach!”
Life Pacific University is grateful for Coach Cook’s faithful service and the lasting foundation he leaves for Warrior Athletics.
