LAPEER, MI — Joe LoBaido has been named the new head coach for the Lapeer girls varsity basketball program.
LoBaido comes to Lapeer with a wealth of experience, having coached in the Flint area at Powers Catholic High School, St. John Vianney Catholic School and St. Mary’s Mt. Morris, stated a press release from Lapeer Community Schools.
“I am driven to be a coach and mentor to our Lapeer student-athletes, enriching their high school experience while providing a positive learning environment,” LoBaido said. “Having coached or assisted on 20 teams over 26 years, I have developed an encompassing program building plan for the Lapeer Lightning based on communication, family and mentorship. Emphasizing positive, constructive coaching techniques throughout the program, the basketball staff will work to enhance the student-athlete’s physical and mental growth.
“Team building will involve varsity to sub-varsity interactions and family program events. I will be active within the Lapeer community, working with coaches and the district’s programs promoting a positive, competitive environment for Lapeer Lightning basketball. My goal is to enhance the love of basketball within the Lapeer community, thus instilling goals to be part of the Lapeer Lightning basketball program.”
In college, LoBaido played for Mott Community College, leading the Bears to the regional semifinals in 1994.
After playing for coach Steve Schmidt at Mott, LoBaido then decided to jump into the coaching realm, first serving for two years as the girls basketball coach at St. Mary’s in Mt. Morris, and then as both the girls and boys basketball coach at St. John Vianney.
At Powers Catholic, LoBaido has worked as the freshman boys basketball assistant coach, the freshman girls basketball head coach and assistant coach and the varsity boys basketball assistant coach.
“I am excited to coach the girls basketball team and be a part of Lapeer athletics,” LoBaido said. “I’ve always enjoyed being part of a team. At Lapeer, close to home, I can support the athletes and all the athletic programs. Lapeer competes at the highest level in one of the most competitive conferences in Michigan. It is a great place to be.”
LoBaido has been married to his wife Sarah for 11 years, and the couple resides in the Lapeer area with their children Audrey, Andrew and Eli.
Lapeer athletic director Shad Spilski said hiring LoBaido is a great addition to the Lightning staff.
“I’m excited for the Lapeer Lightning girls basketball program under Coach LoBaido’s leadership,” Spilski said. “I believe his knowledge of the game of basketball, leadership skills, and the ways he can connect with our student-athletes will be a benefit to our girls basketball program. In meeting Joe and discussing the short-term and long-term goals for this program, we are definitely on the same page and look forward to the new season starting after Thanksgiving.”
The 2024-25 Lapeer girls varsity basketball season tips off Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at Lapeer High School against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep.
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