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The Lyndon Institute athletics department announced Friday afternoon that Eric Berry has been hired as the new head coach of the varsity girls basketball team.

Berry is a 1985 graduate of Lyndon Institute and during his time at Lyndon he excelled in basketball. He led his team to the Div. II semi-finals, holds the school record for assists and steals in a single season and is the school’s all-time assist leader. After graduating from LI he continued his education and basketball at Lyndon State College.

"We couldn't be happier with Eric coming on board,” Lyndon Institute Athletic Director Paul Wheeler said. “With his knowledge of the game, passion for Lyndon Institute, and commitment to the kids in our community, it's a win-win-win for us."

Berry’s coaching resume is even more impressive than his playing.

After college Berry took the position of freshman boys basketball coach at Lyndon Institute and eventually took over as the varsity boys basketball coach. Then, in 2000, Berry took the jump to college basketball, coaching the LSC men’s basketball program until 2006. During his time as the Hornets coach he guided the team to three Mayflower Conference Championship games and his teams’ racked up 16 or more wins in each season he was at the helm. Berry also guided the Hornets to the NAIA National Championship Tournament.

“I am happy to be returning home [to Lyndon Institute],” Berry said. “I look forward to working with the current kids in the program, as well as building a feeder program.”

The Vikings are coming off back-to-back Final Four appearances but they still seek their program’s first championship appearance. Last year LI was knocked from the postseason by Mount Abraham and it ran the Vikings semi-finals record to 0-7.   

“Our goal will always be, first and foremost, to win championships and in order to do that we need to work hard individually and collectively in the off-season,” Berry added. “I am excited to be back in the game.”

Berry is currently the owner of three Subway restaurants (Lyndonville, St. Johnsbury & Bradford, Vt.) and is the CEO of Northeast Sports Network. He has kept his coaching skills sharp by mentoring at the youth level, both AAU basketball and Little League softball. He resides in Lyndonville with his wife, Meridith, and his two children, a daughter Jade and son Camden.