Rochester Community and Technical College and RCTC Athletics is happy to announce Jason Bonde as the next head women’s basketball coach for the Yellowjackets. Bonde enters his first year as a head coach after serving 10 years as an assistant under head coach Brian LaPlante for the men’s program.
Bonde has been a part of the men’s successful program not only as a player (2001) but as a coach where the Yellowjacket men have 5 National Tournament appearances including 3 National Runner-up finishes, a third-place finish, and an 8th place finish in his 10 years. He has been a part of the development of numerous players including 3 All-Americans and over 30 Yellowjackets have moved on to four-year institutions. Coach Bonde says: “I would like to thank Dr. Boyd and Mike Lester for believing in me and giving me this great opportunity. I would also like to thank Coach LaPlante for the great 10 years I had coaching by his side. He has prepared me for an opportunity like this. He has been a great friend and mentor over the years. I am glad that I am still here at RCTC and will be able to continue to work with him, just on a different level. It truly has been a great honor working for him.”
Prior to coming to RCTC, Bonde was on staff at Southwest Baptist University, in Bolivar, MO for 2 years where he also earned his master’s in education. The Bearcats were 38-20 in that time and won a conference championship in 07-08 (14-4) in the tough MIAA. RCTC Athletic Director Mike Lester commented, “We are excited and thrilled to have Coach Bonde take over the reins of the women’s basketball program here at RCTC. His work and experience with Coach LaPlante has prepared him to lead the Yellowjacket women to long-term success!”
Bonde started his coaching experience after finishing his playing career at Bemidji State University (MN) as a student assistant that saw the Beavers reach a 20-10 mark and their first-ever 20-win season. Bemidji State was 14-2 in conference play that season, earning a berth to the NCAA Division II tournament and leading the nation in 3-pointers per game, with 11.7. He also earned his B.S. in Physical Education.
Bonde also coached two years at the high school levels including one year at Pine Island (MN) and Century High School in Rochester, MN.
Jason works full-time at RCTC and currently serves as the Director of RCTC’s TRIO program.
Jason and his wife Sara have three girls Faith (11), Nora (6) and Alexandra (2).