Assistant coach Mitch Freeman is in his fourth year as a member of head coach Joe Callero’s staff. Freeman, who also served a highly-successful stint under Callero at Seattle University (2005-09), is Cal Poly’s lead scout in charge of game preparation and defense.

Under Freeman’s guidance during the 2010-11 campaign, Cal Poly – out of 335 Division I programs – ranked third nationally in opponent three-point percentage (28.7), sixth in opponent scoring average (58.9 points per game) and 25th in opponent field goal defense (40.0 percent).

“Mitch is as hard working and as competitive as any assistant coach in college basketball,” Callero said. “He earned a full-time position at Cal Poly by showcasing relentless work ethic and loyalty during four years at Seattle. His international contacts as well as attention to detail in all areas make him a key part of our staff.”

During his four-year tenure at Seattle, Freeman helped the Redhawks to 75 victories and the program to a successful transition to the Division I level. During Freeman’s final 2008-09 campaign, the Redhawks posted a 21-8 record that translated to the program’s highest single-season winning percentage in 45 seasons.

Freeman began his coaching career during the 2004-05 season as the varsity boy’s assistant at Marysville-Pilchuck HS (Marysville, Wash.). During his one season, Freeman helped the program reach the Washington state district playoffs. His overall duties with the program included the improvement of guard play, coordinating off-season conditioning sessions, scouting the opposition and video editing.

A 2004 graduate of Washington State with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and an emphasis in health and fitness education, Freeman served as a student assistant with the Cougar program (1999-04). Under Dick Bennett, Freeman assisted with video exchange and other administrative duties.

Freeman, who completed his master’s degree in education administration from Grand Canyon University in 2008, spent three years teaching in both the Seattle and Marysville school districts.

Freeman and his wife, Nicole, reside in San Luis Obispo.