A former assistant coach at West Los Angeles College, Sam Stapleton spent two seasons (2015-16 and 2016-17) as a graduate manager for the Pepperdine men’s basketball program.
He also served as the team’s video exchange coordinator. Stapleton earned a master’s degree through Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology.
Stapleton coached the Wildcats for two seasons (2013-14 and 2014-15). West Los Angeles went 18-9 his second year, which included a playoff victory that put the Wildcats into the CCCAA Southern California's Elite Eight. His duties there included player development, implementing the offense, recruiting, scouting opponents, film breakdown and exchange, academics and sports information.
He spent six years coaching with the Los Angeles Rockfish AAU program. At the age of 19, Stapleton became one of the youngest head coaches in the history of the club. He coached or trained many high school players that went on to play college basketball.
Stapleton graduated from Occidental in 2013 with a degree in American studies. He was a four-year player and a three-year starter for the Tigers, as well as a team captain during his senior season. He led Occidental in assists and ranked third in the SCIAC his senior year.
A native of Los Angeles, he attended nearby Palisades High School.
