Menlo News September 02, 2021

Batory named boys’ basketball coach

Ben BatoryMenlo School boys' basketball coach

9.2.2021 – Menlo School welcomes longtime high school coach Ben Batory who will take over the reins of the boys’ basketball program.

Batory has coached high school basketball for two decades, including a stint as Menlo’s varsity assistant in the 2018-19 season.

“We are thrilled to have Ben Batory back at Menlo leading our boys’ basketball team,” Director of Athletics Earl Koberlein said. “Ben’s passion for the game of basketball and his ability to teach life lessons in and around the game is unmatched. We are excited to see the boys learn as much off the court as on the court under Ben’s mentorship and guidance.”

A former professional and collegiate basketball player, Batory said he believes that high school sports operate at the key intersection of education, community, competition, and personal development.

“I value the opportunities and challenges that exist at that intersection, and believe high school sports have transformative power to help student-athletes reach for the best possible versions of themselves,” Batory said.

 “I am thankful for the opportunity, and it’s great to be back at Menlo. This is absolutely one of the top schools in the Bay Area, and it has such a rich tradition of excellence in athletics,” Batory said. “I really look forward to being a part of this community - my family and I - and I hope to continue the tradition of success in Menlo Athletics, “ Batory added. “ I can’t wait to get started working with such engaging and bright student-athletes.”

Batory is coming off a pandemic-shortened season as varsity head coach for Aragon High where he led all aspects of the program. He guided training for nearly 40 players through a 12-week season under strict COVID-19 protocol. The Dons earned a first-round bye then defeated Gunn to advance to the CCS Div. II quarterfinals.

He earned a bachelors in political science from Amherst, where he played for three seasons and earned all-conference honors. A professional basketball player for five seasons, Batory represented teams from Switzerland, Mauritius, Malta, Ireland and Costa Rica. He returned to the states and started his coaching career as an assistant in New York, Florida and the Bay Area. He was also head coach of Canisius High in New York. He is a senior vice president of Franklin Equity Group of Franklin Templeton.

Batory takes over for Keith Larsen, who led the Knights to a NorCal Div. I semifinal appearance, CCS championship and three league titles in seven seasons. Larsen will continue to serve as an assistant coach for high school cross country and track & field teams, and will coach middle school sports.