Andre Cook begins his first season as head coach of the St. Edward’s men’s basketball program. Cook comes to St. Edward’s from Hudson Valley Community College where he compiled an overall record of 119-40 (.748) in five seasons. In each of his last two seasons, he led the Vikings to school records for victories in a season. In 2007–2008, Hudson Valley compiled an amazing 30-1 record and a perfect 16-0 conference record, which resulted in winning the Mountain Valley Conference title for the first time in eight years. As a result of his team’s efforts, Cook was named Region III Coach of the Year and BCANY (Basketball Coaches Association of New York) Junior College Coach of the Year. In 2008–2009, the Vikings again had a perfect conference record and advanced to the NJCAA Division III national tournament. After winning their opening game, Hudson Valley fell to eventual national champion Richland College.
In addition to coaching at Hudson Valley, Cook served as coordinator of the college’s intramural program and was an adjunct instructor in the Physical Education Department. He has served as a guest speaker at various coaching clinics including the Premier Coaches Clinic and the BCANY Clinic. Prior to Hudson Valley, Cook served as the assistant principal and head boys’ basketball coach at Hudson Falls High School from 1996 to 2004, where he compiled a 99-76 record. He also coached the Adirondack Region’s Scholastic Basketball Team in the Empire State Games from 2000 to 2003, leading them to a gold medal in his final year.
Cook received his bachelor’s in American Studies from Skidmore College in 1994, and completed a master’s in Teaching Social Studies from Union College in 1996. While at Union, he served as an assistant men’s basketball coach from 1994 to 1996.
As a high school player, Cook played four years of varsity basketball at Watervliet High School for New York State and Hudson Valley Hall of Fame coach George Mardigan. Cook then played four years at Skidmore College. He is in the top 10 in scoring at Watervliet and Skidmore, amassing over 1,000 points at both places.