University of Maine at Farmington

Sam Leal returned to the UMaine-Farmington men's basketball program in April 2020, ready to build on the strong foundation and tradition of Beaver Basketball. The 2022-23 season will mark his second season at the helm of UMaine-Farmington men's baskerball. In his first two seasons as a coach, Leal has led the Beavers to a 16-8 record.

Prior to accepting the head coaching position at UMaine-Farmington, Leal was a full-time assistant and lead recruiter during the 2019-20 season for Bates College, where he was involved in every aspect of the program. Beyond recruiting and strategic X's and O's, he played a key role in player development, was responsible for operationalizing the team's social media presence, was integral in leading successful fund-raising events, and assisted with scheduling and other logistics for the program. 

"Sam did a tremendous job for us at Bates. His passion for the game and commitment to the development of our student-athletes, not just as basketball players but as young men, was an integral part of our success this year. Sam has great energy and positively influences all people he works with. While he will be greatly missed, I couldn't be happier for him to start his own program.  He'll be a great addition to the UMF athletics department," said Jon Furbush, head men's basketball coach at Bates.

Prior to Bates, Leal served as a graduate assistant men's basketball coach at Springfield College while earning his master's degree in sport and exercise psychology. In Leal's first year, Springfield went 12-2 in conference play, setting a NEWMAC record before advancing to the NCAA DIII Men's Basketball Championship national semifinals. Leal took the lead in developing the mindset for a winning culture with the team and staff, which served the team well as they advanced deeper in tournament play. In 2019, he was tabbed to help organize the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division III All-Star Game in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

"I am elated for Coach Leal, and congratulate UMF for hiring him. Sam has a great pedigree, is excellent working with young people, and is adept at recruiting talented players and good people. He is, most of all, a student of the game, and an outstanding teacher. Sam will be a great young head coach and an asset to the coaching profession," said storied coach Charlie Brock of Springfield College.

Leal began his coaching career at the University of Southern Maine in 2014-15, and taught math at Greely High School (Cumberland Center, Maine) for two years.

Leal graduated from UMaine-Farmington in 2014 with a degree in secondary education, specializing in mathematics. He played four years for the Beavers, contributing on and off the court.  A stellar student, he earned North Athletic Conference (NAC) Scholar-Athlete recognition multiple times, made the Dean's List and graduated cum laude. He was recognized by his peers with the school's Beaver Pride Award in 2014 as a senior, and was named to the 2014 NABC Honors Court. 

Updated: 11/15/22