Tom Lochner joined Rider University in June of 2026 as an assistant coach and brings more than 35 years of collegiate coaching experience, including six seasons as a head coach and extensive experience as an associate and assistant head coach at the Division I level. Widely respected throughout the profession, Lochner has built a career defined by program success, strong relationships with student-athletes, and long-term contributions to winning cultures.
Lochner arrived at Rider after nine seasons as an assistant coach at Lafayette College, where he played a key role in player development, recruiting, and game preparation. During his tenure, he helped guide the program to its first winning season in over 25 years (2019–20), along with multiple All-Patriot League selections and consistent academic recognition, including WBCA Top 25 team GPA honors.
Prior to Lafayette, Lochner spent six seasons at the University of Delaware, where he was part of one of the most successful eras in program history. The Blue Hens compiled a 130–63 record during his tenure, captured back-to-back CAA championships, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in 2012–13 following a second-round appearance the year prior. Delaware also established itself as a nationally competitive program, highlighted by the development of multiple all-conference performers and award-winning student-athletes, including WNBA Rookie of the Year Elena Delle Donne.
Before Delaware, Lochner served six seasons as head coach at La Salle University, where he led the program through the Atlantic 10 Conference while managing all aspects of a Division I program. He previously spent 17 seasons at La Salle as an assistant and associate head coach, helping guide the Explorers to a 296–198 record during that span, multiple postseason appearances, and sustained conference competitiveness. Across his La Salle tenure, Lochner played a central role in recruiting, player development, scouting, and program operations while helping produce numerous All-Conference and Academic All-American student-athletes.
Lochner also spent seven seasons as head coach at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School, where he compiled an 88–13 record and led the program to a New York State Championship in 1986. He earned New York State Section II Coach of the Year honors in both 1984–85 and 1985–86, establishing one of the top high school programs in the state during that period.
Known for his ability to build strong relationships with student-athletes, Lochner has consistently been valued for his communication, trust-building, and player development impact at every stop of his career. His ability to connect, mentor, and develop student-athletes has been a defining factor in his long-term success across multiple Division I programs.
Lochner earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Athletic Administration from Temple University in 1989, a Master of Education in Sports Management from Temple University in 1997, and a Master of Education in Elementary and Special Education from La Salle University in 2006.
