“There’s no finish line. You can continue to learn, and I’ve
continued to learn since I got out of coaching high school.”
Jim Psaras grew up in the Newport, Rhode Island and graduated from Rogers High School in 1982. He taught elementary school physical education and health in Newport for 25 years. Mr. Psaras also coached basketball for 29 seasons in Newport, first at Thompson Middle School, second with the Rogers freshmen, third with the Rogers junior varsity and the last 26 seasons with the Rogers Varsity Boys Basketball team. In March of 2014 he made the difficult decision to retire from coaching, giving himself the opportunity to watch his own children participate in high school sports.
Coaching Experience & Speaking Engagements:
- Five-Star Basketball Camp 1989-2000
- USA Basketball Coaches Academy May 2017
- USA Regional Camp 2017
- Butler Basketball Club Summer 2019
- Virtual Coaches Clinic – April 2020
Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) Basketball Legend
Psaras’ long and successful coaching career began shortly after he graduated from Rogers High School. Head coach of the Vikings’ varisty boys basketball team from 1988 to 2014, he compiled a record of 421-245, guiding his alma mater to 12 division crowns, six state final appearances, and three Division I State Championships in 1990, ’91, and ’93. The 1991 Words Unlimited R.I. co-Schoolboy Coach of the Year and a Coaches’ Association Divisional Coach of the Year 12 times, Psaras has also shared his love of the game with Newport County Youth through his Vikings Hoops Youth Basketball Summer Camp and Psaras Skills Academy.
Rhode Island Basketball Coaches Association (RIBCA) Hall of Fame
The Rhode Island Basketball Coaches Association is excited to announce its newest member to the RIBCA Hall of Fame, Jim Psaras of Rogers High School. Coach Psaras coached for 28 years at Rogers High School, 26 of them as varsity head coach for the Vikings. His most notable coaching accomplishments include 3 state titles, 12 league titles, 13 times voted Coach of the Year along with amassing 421 wins and producing a number of All State and collegiate level players. On behalf of RIBCA, congratulations Coach Psaras!
Rogers High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction
Jim Psaras, Class of 1982: There aren’t many coaches in Rhode Island high school basketball history who have won at least 400 games. Psaras is one of them. A 12-time division Coach of the Year, he steered the Vikings to 421 wins against 245 losses and secured three state championships – in 1990, 1991, and 1993. In 26 years on the bench, his teams missed the playoff just three times. [PROVIDENCE JOURNAL FILE PHOTO]
New Viking Hoops Basketball Camp Director: Julia Psaras
Julia Psaras attended camp from the ages of 5-15 and has been coaching at camp for 10 years. Julia is a graduate of Middletown High School (’18), Providence College (’22), and Boston College School of Social Work (’25). She is a licensed child therapist in Boston, MA, but comes back to the island often to visit friends and family. She is excited to carry on her dad’s legacy and help Viking Hoops continue to grow!
