By: Annelise Taylor, Grace Ghee, and Mackenzie Kokal, Loyola Sophomores
Porter Moser, a Loyola Chicago icon, is headed to Oklahoma University to coach men’s basketball.
The 52-year-old Naperville native has been coaching Loyola Men’s Basketball for the past 10 years, starting in the 2010/2011 season. He has spent this time building his players both individually and as a team.
Under his leadership, he guided the team to the Final Four in March Madness, college basketball’s biggest annual tournament. Again in 2021, his coaching led the team to the Sweet Sixteen by defeating the number one seed in the conference.
Moser has strong ties to Loyola as even his daughter plays for the women’s basketball team. Many Loyola fans, students, and staff were shocked and hurt by his decision.
Shane Lievens, a Loyola sophomore said, “It’s tough to see someone go who has built something so special here at Loyola. I had always hoped he would stay and make us the powerhouse team of the Midwest.”
Loyola Chicago men’s basketball player Tom Welch, sophomore, also had feelings on Coach Moser’s departure.
“I was really sad at first,” said Welch. “That’s the guy who recruited me here and he was someone who I looked up to, who I worked really hard for. Then taking a step back, I realized it is a business and it’s what’s best for him and his family.”
Moser made a lasting impact at Loyola and showed his appreciation for the fans and athletes on his Twitter feed.
Moser posted, “I have met amazing people and built true friendships along the way that will last a lifetime. Everyone involved – student-athletes, coaches, administrators, students, fans and alumni – should be proud of what the Loyola script represents in the athletics department.”
That being said, Moser is leaving the Ramblers in good hands as Drew Valentine, former assistant coach, will step into the new head coaching position.
Welch and his teammates are looking forward to the new adjustment.
Welch said, “Drew has been someone we have all been able to get really close with. I feel comfortable talking to him both on the court and off the court.”
As a final message to the Oklahoma basketball players, Welch gave words of encouragement about his former coach.
“You got a lot of hard work coming, and if you trust it, you’ll do a lot of winning,” said Welch.
For more information about Coach Moser’s departure and the upcoming basketball season, visit
Men’s Basketball – Loyola University Chicago Athletics (loyolaramblers.com)
