Bio

Brett Lauer was named the Citrus College head men's basketball coach prior to the 2016-17 season and has established a tradition of excellence in his eight years (seven seasons) at the helm. Under Lauer's leadership, the Fighting Owls won six Western State Conference championships in seven seasons, including four-straight for the first time in Citrus program history, and boasts a 168-48 career record (.778 win percentage).

In 2022-23, Citrus grabbed its second consecutive trip to the State Tournament, advancing to the semifinals and finished 28-4 on the year. Lauer was named the WSC South Coach of the Year (his fourth Coach of the Year honor) and saw five Owls earn all-conference honors, including Chris Chiles earning Most Outstanding Player and Aibigho Ujadughele being named Defensive Player of the Year.

The Owls have twice been named the CCCAA Men's Basketball Scholar Team of the Year under Lauer.

Lauer’s coaching start began right here at Citrus College where he served as an assistant for the Owls during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons. During those two seasons, Citrus College made an appearance in the CCCAA State Final Four in 2010 and the CCCAA State Championship Game in 2011. In addition, a total of 23 players from those two seasons went on to play at four-year schools. 

After Citrus, Lauer accepted an assistant position at NAIA powerhouse the University of Concordia, Irvine. Lauer spent four seasons with the Eagles, helping them to three NAIA National Tournament appearances and the NAIA National Championship during his first campaign. In 2015-2016, Lauer made the move to NCAA DI UC Riverside, where he spent one season on the sideline for the Highlanders. 

Lauer’s playing career began at the CCCAA level when he played his freshman season at Los Medanos College and his sophomore year at San Diego Mesa College. After two standout seasons including an All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference nod as a sophomore, Lauer moved on to NCAA Division I UC Irvine where he played for two seasons. While with the Anteaters, Lauer led the Big West Conference by shooting 50.4% from three as a senior. That mark is still the fifth highest in Big West history. 

Lauer and his wife Shannon, have three boys, Cash, Bodie, and Lincoln.

Coach Lauer by the Numbers