Payton Sturm enters his second year with the University of Charleston as Assistant Coach. He is the director of player development and recruiting as well as being the team’s offensive coordinator. Â
Prior to joining the University of Charleston, Sturm was an Assistant Coach at West Virginia University Institute of Technology for five years. He played a pivotal role in leading the team to three NAIA National Tournament appearances in five seasons and securing two River States Conference Championships. As the offensive coordinator and Director of Recruiting, he was instrumental in shaping the team's offensive strategies and securing top talent. His responsibilities also extended to being in charge of all basketball operations and scheduling, directing the strength and conditioning program, and managing the team's digital media and social media presence.
As offensive coordinator, the WVU Tech offense was one of the most prolific in the country in the 2023-24 season. The Golden Bears finished top 5 in the country in three point percentage and top 10 in overall field goal percentage. Sturm has also worked to develop seven different all-conference players during his tenure.
Sturm’s coaching experience includes serving as an Assistant Coach for the Best Virginia TBT Team for two summers where the team advanced to the Elite 8 in The Basketball Tournament in 2022. He also served as the Associate Head Coach for the Wildcats Select 17u Adidas AAU Team, co-leading the team on the Adidas 3SSB circuit.
Originally from Parkersburg, WV, Sturm’s coaching journey began as a Graduate Assistant at West Virginia University for one year in 2018-19 following four years as a student manager for the WVU men’s basketball program from 2014-18. While at WVU, he directed their summer basketball camps, coordinating large-scale camps and creating positive environments for youth development. He graduated from WVU with his bachelor’s degree in Athletic Coaching Education and his master’s degree in Sport and Coaching Education.
