University of St. Thomas Athletics
Coach Ruth Sinn has leaned on assistants Brian Silk (center) and Richard Schiell (right)
Schiell, Silk join W. Basketball staff in full-time roles
8/23/2021 5:46:00 PM | Women's Basketball
St. Thomas Women's Basketball coach Ruth Sinn has announced the hiring of two familiar faces coming on board as full-time assistants as the Tommies prepare for their inaugural season in NCAA Division I hoops.
Brian Silk and Richard Schiell have been valued assistants in recent seasons for the Purple's top-10 ranked Division III program. Over the last seven full seasons on the bench St. Thomas Women's Basketball averaged a remarkable 27 wins each year.
The pair join recent full-time staff addition Teonna Jewell on Sinn's coaching staff for 2021-22.
Sinn and her coaches were able to supervise summer 2021 team workouts and are now are preparing for the start of preseason practices this fall. The Tommie have a blend of veterans and newcomers as they get set for their first run through a Summit League schedule.
Richard Schiell
Schiell returns to start his sixth season with Tommie women's basketball this fall. Schiell is in his second stint with the Tommies, previously coaching here through the 2013-2016 seasons.
Schiell's resume includes a stint coaching Team Wisconsin Basketball AAU, an elite high school club team. There Schiell had been involved in coaching many WBCA and AP all-staters plus other future collegiate basketball players from the Division I to III level. Beyng bench coaching, Schiell had responsibilities in evaluating and recruiting players to be a part of the Select program, playing a national level schedule at the elite AAU club level.
His coaching career started with Amery (Wis.), High girls' basketball as a volunteer scout and assistant with players' off-season development.
A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, he holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering. Coach Schiell currently resides in Apple Valley, Minn., with his wife Jordan.
Schiell is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering. Coach Schiell currently resides in Apple Valley, Minn., with his wife Jordan.
"I am thrilled to announce the hiring of Coach Schiell to our St. Thomas Women's Basketball program," Sinn said. Richard will be an asset in the development and growth of our program as we make this historic transition to Division I athletics. His vision, organization, and commitment to our program are qualities that epitomize our St. Thomas community. It is with great excitement that we welcome Richard onto our full-time coaching staff."
Brian Silk
Brian is starting his ninth season with the Tommies and has demonstrated a consistent commitment to student-athlete growth and development, on and off the basketball court.
A native Minnesotan and graduate of Simley High School, Silk led his basketball team to the state title in his senior season. He continued his playing career as a four-year letter winner and team captain at North Dakota State University.
Brian and his wife, Leah, live in Rosemount with their three children - Isla (12), Elias (7) and Isadora (6).
"Brian Silk's fingerprints are all over everything successful we have done with this program" Sinn said. "He has impacted our roster, our player development, and our vision. He is a person who understands how to build something special and is the perfect person to aid in this transition from Division III to D-I. Brian has touched every aspect of our program and will be a huge contributor as we embark on this historic journey."
Brian Silk and Richard Schiell have been valued assistants in recent seasons for the Purple's top-10 ranked Division III program. Over the last seven full seasons on the bench St. Thomas Women's Basketball averaged a remarkable 27 wins each year.
The pair join recent full-time staff addition Teonna Jewell on Sinn's coaching staff for 2021-22.
Sinn and her coaches were able to supervise summer 2021 team workouts and are now are preparing for the start of preseason practices this fall. The Tommie have a blend of veterans and newcomers as they get set for their first run through a Summit League schedule.
Richard Schiell
Schiell returns to start his sixth season with Tommie women's basketball this fall. Schiell is in his second stint with the Tommies, previously coaching here through the 2013-2016 seasons.
Schiell's resume includes a stint coaching Team Wisconsin Basketball AAU, an elite high school club team. There Schiell had been involved in coaching many WBCA and AP all-staters plus other future collegiate basketball players from the Division I to III level. Beyng bench coaching, Schiell had responsibilities in evaluating and recruiting players to be a part of the Select program, playing a national level schedule at the elite AAU club level.
His coaching career started with Amery (Wis.), High girls' basketball as a volunteer scout and assistant with players' off-season development.
A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, he holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering. Coach Schiell currently resides in Apple Valley, Minn., with his wife Jordan.
Schiell is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering. Coach Schiell currently resides in Apple Valley, Minn., with his wife Jordan.
"I am thrilled to announce the hiring of Coach Schiell to our St. Thomas Women's Basketball program," Sinn said. Richard will be an asset in the development and growth of our program as we make this historic transition to Division I athletics. His vision, organization, and commitment to our program are qualities that epitomize our St. Thomas community. It is with great excitement that we welcome Richard onto our full-time coaching staff."
Brian Silk
Brian is starting his ninth season with the Tommies and has demonstrated a consistent commitment to student-athlete growth and development, on and off the basketball court.
A native Minnesotan and graduate of Simley High School, Silk led his basketball team to the state title in his senior season. He continued his playing career as a four-year letter winner and team captain at North Dakota State University.
Brian and his wife, Leah, live in Rosemount with their three children - Isla (12), Elias (7) and Isadora (6).
"Brian Silk's fingerprints are all over everything successful we have done with this program" Sinn said. "He has impacted our roster, our player development, and our vision. He is a person who understands how to build something special and is the perfect person to aid in this transition from Division III to D-I. Brian has touched every aspect of our program and will be a huge contributor as we embark on this historic journey."
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