7/17/2025 1:05:00 PM
LINCOLN, Neb. - Nebraska Wesleyan University is thrilled to announce the addition of Blake Bonin and Patrick Monahan to the Prairie Wolves Men's Basketball coaching staff as Assistant Coaches. Both Bonin and Monahan bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in collegiate basketball to their new roles.
Bonin joins NWU after a standout three-year run at Franklin College, where he helped engineer a remarkable stretch of success that culminated in the Grizzlies winning the 2025 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Tournament and securing the program's first NCAA Tournament victory in a quarter-century. Under Bonin's influence, Franklin amassed a 47-35 record, made three straight conference tournament appearances, and climbed national statistical rankings in defensive efficiency and three-point shooting. His strengths in player development, strategic scouting, and recruiting made him a rising name in the region.
"Blake comes to us highly recommended by my former assistant Chris Hamilton, who he worked under at Franklin College the past three years," said Prairie Wolves head coach Dale Wellman. "Blake's experience helping lead that program to an NCAA Tournament appearance and a conference championship speaks for itself. He knows how to win and how to connect with student-athletes at this level."
Bonin will assist with recruiting strategy, opponent preparation, and player development, while also playing a key role in the program's day-to-day operations.
"I am incredibly excited and honored to join the Nebraska Wesleyan University men's basketball program and community," Bonin said. "The opportunity to work alongside such a talented group of student-athletes, as well as an unbelievable staff, is truly a privilege. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of the program."
Joining him is Patrick Monahan, who arrives in Lincoln following his recent stint as Interim Head Coach at Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire. During his time there, Monahan led offseason operations while managing recruiting, scheduling, and player development. Prior to his interim role, he served as an assistant coach at Colby-Sawyer and helped guide the program through a period of competitive rebuild.
Monahan's coaching pedigree also includes time with Stack Basketball AAU in New York and New Jersey, where he led elite youth programs and worked as a personal development trainer.
"I'm beyond grateful and excited to be given the opportunity to be a part of a program with such rich history on and off the court," Monahan said. "With continued energy and passion, I'm looking forward to impacting our program positively and filling the shoes of the many great coaches here before me. We have something special brewing."
"Pat comes from a basketball family, his mom is entering her 33rd season as the head women's coach at William Paterson, so he knows what real commitment to the game looks like," Wellman said. "He brings a strong work ethic and a sharp understanding of what it takes to be successful. I'm really excited to work with both Pat and Blake this year. They're energetic, passionate young coaches who not only understand the Division III landscape but have lived it."
To learn more please visit: https://nwusports.com/news/2025/7/17/nebraska-wesleyan-university-welcomes-blake-bonin-and-patrick-monahan-as-assistant-mens-basketball-coaches.aspx
