Mike Howell is excited and ready to return to the coaching ranks after being appointed the new W+H boys’ varsity head basketball coach. A familiar and respected figure on campus, Coach Howell brings 17 years of coaching experience at W+H, including a highly successful tenure leading the girls’ varsity team.
During his time coaching the W+H girls, Howell guided the program to three division titles, including the most recent in the 2023-2024 season. His teams consistently competed at a high level, first in the Patriot Conference and later in the GMC. He coached several standout athletes, including Janissa Delzo ’12, who went on to play at Emerson College and remains the all-time leading scorer in W+H girls’ basketball history.
Coach Howell has built a reputation for player development, disciplined fundamentals and strong program culture. He promotes attitude and effort as two key attributes of his athletes. Transitioning to the boys’ program represents a fresh and energizing opportunity.
“It’s just a new opportunity and I want to come in fresh,” said Coach Howell, who previously spent nine years coaching boys' and girls' teams at St. Peter’s before the school closed.
After stepping away from coaching briefly for family reasons, Howell is eager to return. His coaching philosophy centers on growth, teamwork and skill development over outcomes.
“For me, it’s really about the development of the players. It’s not always about the wins and losses… it’s about the process,” said Howell, who is thrilled to have two alumni assistant coaches in W+H Athletic Hall of Famers Luke Burroughs ’99 and Bob Middleton ’76.
Howell’s goals for the season focus on ensuring his players have a meaningful, positive experience, compete with purpose and take pride in their improvement. With three W+H alumni children of his own, Victoria ’19, Mason ’21 and Michael ’25, Howell is deeply invested in the school community.
“I’m excited to get going,” he said. “I don’t want to just have a basketball team. I want to build a program, from the Middle School up, that our players and school can be proud of.”