Bernard Tomlin: A Beacon of Inspiration at SUNY Old Westbury

Bernard Tomlin, a revered coach at SUNY Old Westbury, has made a lasting impact on his players through his commitment to education, character, and understanding of African-American history. Over his 28-year coaching career, Tomlin has amassed a record of 411-340, leading the Panthers to the NCAA Division III Tournament in the 2015-16 season. His approach to coaching extends beyond basketball; he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the struggles faced by previous generations, encouraging players to appreciate their opportunities. Former players, such as Anthony Bryant and Nathaniel Vaughn, credit Tomlin for instilling in them values such as perseverance and class, shaping them into both better athletes and individuals. Despite facing challenges in his own career, including not being retained as the head coach at Stony Brook, Tomlin remains a model of positivity and resilience. As he approaches retirement from coaching, Tomlin plans to focus on his faith-based clothing line, continuing to spread his uplifting message through his work with young athletes.