Southeastern Illinois College Head Men’s Basketball Coach Sam Swinford recently led the Student Athlete World Tours (SAWUSA) U23 Men’s Basketball Team to a gold medal at the Portugal Basketball Festival in Lisbon.
The U.S. team went 5-1 during the international tour, competing against squads from around the world in the two-day festival held June 28–29. More than 40 teams from nine countries participated in this year’s event, which promotes competition, cultural exchange and inclusion through basketball.
Swinford, a Marion native and SIC alumnus, has been involved with SAWUSA for several years, coaching international tours in Costa Rica in 2022 and Argentina in 2023. He was named SAWUSA’s Coach of the Year in 2023 for his leadership and commitment to student-athlete development.
He said of the experience: “I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to represent the U.S. and share this experience with a talented group of young men. International tours like this give players a unique opportunity to learn, compete, and see the world. I’m also proud of the progress we’re making at SIC—developing local talent and building something special here at home.”
A former two-year starter and team captain for the Falcons, Swinford brings deep local roots and experience to his coaching. After his SIC playing career, he continued at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, where he studied Sports Business Management and gained experience with the St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Sports Commission. He also helped coach SI Select to Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) World Championship titles in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Under Coach Swinford’s leadership, the SIC men’s basketball team finished the 2024-2025 regular season with a 24-6 record, averaging nearly 83 points per game and earning its second consecutive bid to the Small College National Tournament.
SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss praised Swinford’s leadership both locally and internationally.
“Coach Swinford continues to represent Southeastern with professionalism and a dedication to student success that extends well beyond our campus,” Weiss said. “We’re extremely proud of his leadership on the international stage.”
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