Thomas College Men's Basketball

Marquis Mason-Pollard enters his fourth year as Head Men's Basketball Coach. Mason-Pollard was hired as the Men's Head Basketball Coach on April 1st, 2022. Pollard comes to Thomas after most recently serving as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at John Paul II Catholic High School in Greenville, NC. He quickly turned the program around in one year leading the 2021-2022 Lady Saints basketball team to their first 20-win season and best record in school history (20-10), first state playoff win, and first conference playoff win in over four years. He played a vital role in the development of the Lady Saints players, leading to three All-Conference players and one honorable mention.    Pollard served as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach under David Pasiak at Northern Vermont University – Lyndon during the 2018-2019 season. While at Lyndon, Pollard was responsible for the recruitment of future student-athletes as well as skill development. Pollard also assisted with scouting opponents, X’s and O’s and other logistics for the program.   Before his stint at Lyndon, Marquis served as the National Prep Head Coach at Washington Academy in Greenville, North Carolina. As head coach, Pollard posted a 26-19 record, while playing some of the top prep schools in the country. Pollard was integral in the development of players who went on to play college basketball at various levels.    Prior to Washington Academy, Pollard served as an Assistant Coach under Geoff Hensley at Thomas for two years. Pollard was a relentless recruiter while at Thomas, most notably recruiting future 1000-point scorers: Tyheim Simon, Carlos Gonzalez & Zach Mackinnon. In Pollard’s first year, Thomas went 10-8 in conference play finishing amongst the top teams in the NAC. During Pollard’s second year, Thomas went 9-9 in conference play and advanced to the NAC Conference Semi-Finals. Pollard was also named the Head JV Men’s Basketball Coach at Thomas during the 2015-2016 season.   Pollard has worked various camps along the east coast, was the Head Basketball Director at Camp Androscoggin in Wayne, ME, and has coached AAU for Black Bear North (ME) & Team Premier (NC).    Pollard graduated from Thomas College in 2014 with a Bachelor’s in Sport Management. He played for four years and was a two-year starter for the Terriers. Pollard was named captain during his senior season. While playing at Thomas, Pollard had a career record of 53-49, the team had four consecutive winning seasons and set the record for most conference wins twice.    Pollard was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enjoys spending time with his family. Pollard is married to Aracelis Mason-Pollard and has two daughters, Kinsley & Kaylani. Pollard graduated from Thomas in 2014 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management and earned his Master's Of Buisness Administration degree in 2024.   Year Head Coach Overall Record Conference Record Conference 2025/26 Thomas 11-15 10-8 NAC Tournament Quarterfinals 2024/25 Thomas 7-16 4-9 DNQ - NAC Tournament 2023/24 Thomas 9-16 6-8 DNQ - NAC Tournament 2022/23 Thomas 3-21 1-13 DNQ - NAC Tournament Thomas Total 4 Seasons 30-68 21-38 Total History 4 Seasons 30-68 21-38  

Tony Staffiere enters his fourth season at Thomas. Staffiere was named Associate Head Coach in August of 2023, and later promoted to Head JV Men's Basketball Coach in the summer of 2024. Staffiere joined the Terrier Men’s Basketball program for the 2022-23 season and brings over 20 years of college basketball experience in both men’s and women’s basketball at the NCAA Division I, II, III levels. Staffiere has been a head coach in Men’s and Women’s Basketball at the NCAA Division II and III levels. Staffiere previously served as the Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach at Mount View High School where he led the Mustangs to their first Maine Principal’s Association State Tournament in over eight seasons. For his efforts, he was named the 2017 Kennebec Valley Athletic Association Class B Coach of The Year. Staffiere relocated to the Waterville area in 2010 to serve as the top assistant women’s basketball coach at Colby College. While at Colby in 2010-2011, the program won 22 games and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Second Round. Working with the team’s post players, he helped develop a D3Hoops.com All-American Honorable Mention honoree and two New England Small College Athletic Conference All Conference selections.  A veteran of the summer camp circuit, Coach Staffiere was a prominent fixture as Station Master at the infamous Five Star Basketball Camp around the country. Staffiere was asked to lead the illustrious “Station 13,” where he worked with current NBA stars LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Steph Curry. He has also lectured and taught at the Dean Smith Carolina Basketball School, Jim Boeheim Big Orange Camp, Geno Auriemma UConn girls’ basketball camp, Frank Martin South Carolina boys’ basketball camp, Bob Hurley Sr. Reebok All Star Camp and locally at the Colby College Pine Tree Clinic.   Staffiere resides in Waterville with his wife Sarah and son Gabriel and daughter Natalie.  

Michael Akanji is a dedicated basketball coach, mentor, and community leader whose passion for player development is rooted in years of personal experience on and off the court. A four-year college basketball athlete, Michael helped lead his team to the NAC playoffs each season, reaching the semifinals twice. His time as a two-year team captain ignited a lifelong love for coaching, leadership, and mentorship. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Business Administration, Michael transitioned seamlessly into coaching. Now entering his fifth season as an assistant coach for Men’s Basketball, he continues to inspire athletes through discipline, teamwork, and growth. Beyond the collegiate level, Michael has coached AAU basketball with the Rhode Island Hawks and trained both high school and professional players, helping them refine their skills and reach their next level. “Coaching has brought me peace and a home away from home. Being able to see kids where I once was and meet them on their level to help them achieve their goals is my passion.” Off the court, Michael serves as a Student Resource Manager for the Lewiston Public School Department, where he connects students to vital community resources and provides daily support. He also manages a successful property investment business and is in the process of acquiring his real estate license. Michael resides in Augusta, Maine, with his partner Julie and their two sons, Elijah and Azai.

Coach Mitch Ryan joined the Thomas College Men's Basketball Staff after spending the last decade coaching basketball in Central Maine. Prior to coaching at Thomas College, Coach Ryan assisted at Waterville Senior High School boys basketball program.  During the three years Coach Ryan spent with the team—2020-2023—he focused on player development and helped the WSHS Panthers to their highest win total during a season in nearly a decade.     Coach Ryan also coaches the Maine Heat—a premiere AAU team in Central Maine.  Through player development and commitment to the game, the Maine Heat program has been built from the ground up with players who are looking to prove themselves.  The end product is a team of individuals who come together to exceed expectations as a team.   Additionally, Coach Ryan has spent countless hours in gyms across Maine volunteering his time with youth programs, camps, and individual skills instruction.  Player development via one-on-one sessions and small group settings is how Coach Ryan spent much of his time early in his career where he specialized in shooting mechanics and fundamentals.   Outside of youth basketball, Coach Ryan has worked with former professional, Division I, and Division III Basketball players as part of the Midcoast Sternmen program located in Rockland, Maine.  Under the guidance of Hall of Fame Coach Jim Graffam, Coach Ryan participated with the team as both a shooting coach and practice player.   Coach Ryan attended Mount View High School.  In their most successful season, the Mustangs went 16-2 finishing second in the KVAC and 3rd in class B. After high school, Coach Ryan attended Thomas College—2011-2015—majoring in Computer Science.  He met his wife, Christina, at Thomas.  They now reside in Benton, with their daughter Myla and son Jaxon. Following his time at Thomas, Coach Ryan spent years growing in the field of technology.  He is currently the Vice President of Technology Operations at Maine State Credit Union.