West Liberty, W.Va. – The West Liberty University men's basketball program has added a rising name in the coaching ranks to its staff, announcing the hiring of Greg Bearer as an assistant coach ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Bearer brings a strong mix of on-court experience, player development expertise, and coaching versatility to the Hilltop. A native of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, Bearer played his collegiate basketball at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he suited up for one of the top programs in NCAA Division II. During his senior year in 2018-19, he started all 25 games for the Crimson Hawks and was known for his leadership, steady presence in the backcourt, and basketball IQ.
After graduating, Bearer quickly transitioned into the coaching world. He began his career at DME Sports Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, one of the premier prep and player development programs in the country. There, Bearer served as an assistant coach for the high school national team and also led DME's White Team, developing training plans and overseeing workouts for a large group of aspiring student-athletes. His time at DME gave him the opportunity to work closely with players at varying stages of their development, instilling in him a deep understanding of how to teach the game and prepare athletes for the next level.
Bearer continued to climb the coaching ladder, joining the staff at Coker University as an assistant coach—working under then-head coach Mike Lamberti, who now leads the Hilltoppers. The pair built a strong professional relationship based on trust, shared values, and a vision for high-level Division II basketball. Their chemistry and aligned coaching philosophies now continue at West Liberty, where they reunite to guide one of the nation's most consistently successful programs.
Most recently, Bearer was selected to serve as an assistant coach in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) in the summer of 2025, a prestigious, high-stakes event featuring some of the best post-college talent in the nation. His work in TBT further solidified his growing credibility and respect within coaching circles.
Now, Bearer steps into a new chapter on the Hilltop, joining a proud and tradition-rich West Liberty program known for its winning culture, up-tempo style, and commitment to excellence. As an assistant coach, he will be heavily involved in skill development, game planning, recruiting, and continuing the program's emphasis on high-character, high-motor players.
"Greg is a tremendous addition to our coaching staff," said Head Coach Mike Lamberti. "He has a strong foundation as both a player and coach, and he understands what it takes to be successful at this level. He's a tireless worker, he relates well to our guys, and he shares our vision for what West Liberty basketball is all about."
For Bearer, the opportunity to rejoin Coach Lamberti and be part of a nationally recognized program like West Liberty represents an exciting step in his coaching career.
"I'm incredibly excited to be part of a program with such a strong tradition and a passionate basketball community," Bearer said. "Coach Lamberti and the staff have built something special here, and I'm grateful for the chance to help contribute to the next chapter."
With the addition of Greg Bearer to the staff, West Liberty men's basketball continues to reinforce its foundation with driven, high-character leaders who are committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the court.
