PORT ANGELES — Peninsula College has selected AJ DeMond, formerly an assistant coach at national junior college powerhouse College of Southern Idaho (CSI), to lead the Pirate men’s basketball program.
The move follows the July resignation of Bryce Jacobson.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach at Peninsula College,” DeMond said. “This is one of the premier programs in the NWAC. My wife and I are excited to join the wonderful community here in Port Angeles and enjoy all it has to offer.”
DeMond served as a four-year student manager for the University of Utah men’s basketball team and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history in 2020. He then earned a master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration.
He began his coaching career with the University of Utah men’s basketball program, served as an AAU select team coach and went on to assistant coaching positions at Western Nebraska and CSI, including two separate stints with the latter. As a junior college assistant coach, he boasts a 90–31 record. During his time at CSI, he coached four NJCAA All-Americans and five NJCAA Academic All-Americans.
“He’s a proven recruiter with a strong track record of moving junior college players to the four-year level,” said Rick Ross, PC’s associate dean for athletics and student life. “He researched our program extensively, understands the resources and support available here, and will bring a winning culture, disciplined play and a high-character approach that aligns perfectly with our values.”
DeMond’s hiring follows an accelerated mid-summer search that drew a highly competitive pool of 37 applicants from across the globe.
“We launched a national search and were impressed with the caliber of candidates,” Ross said. “Coach DeMond has had a successful career at multiple levels, and we’re confident putting our returning players and our talented recruiting class in his hands. He checks all the boxes for us.”
In addition to his coaching role, DeMond will lead fundraising efforts for Pirate Athletics and serve as a faculty advisor, a role in which he brings significant experience from CSI in student advising, retention and relationship building.
“The new NWAC policy on athletic aid allows us to provide more scholarship funding to student-athletes, but that requires increased fundraising,” Ross said. “AJ will spearhead that effort, working closely with me, our staff, the Peninsula College Foundation and our amazing community boosters and sponsors.”
Jacobson, who served as head coach for the Pirate men’s basketball program for the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons, resigned in mid-July for personal reasons. He guided Peninsula to a 14-14 mark in NWAC North play, 28-29 overall, with a visit to the NWAC Sweet 16 in 2024.
