Aberdeen Christian will have a new boys’ basketball coach next season, but he is someone who has already been on the sidelines with the program.

Aaron Moeller, who has served as an assistant for the Knights in both boys and girls, will take over the reigns of the boys’ program.

“I think there are a number of advantages as a result of being involved with the boys and girls basketball programs over the past few years,” Moeller said, specifically pointing out familiarity with school staff, parents and opposing teams.

Moeller, a Miller native, has previous head coaching experience, leading a large private school in Virginia. He also served as head boys’ assistant at a large public school north of Seattle, Wash.

The Knights have qualified for the past four State B boys’ basketball tournaments. However, the team also lost six seniors to graduation, including all five starters.

“The winning tradition and the momentum of the boys’ basketball program has been exciting to witness. I am a process coach,” Moeller said. “Though there will certainly be a program reset after losing a very successful group of seniors, as a team, we will focus daily on the processes that make us better. The outcomes we are looking for will happen with time if we can get everyone to trust in the process.”

Moeller has guided a successful junior varsity program at Aberdeen Christian. He knows the potential that the younger players possess, but also knows there will be a learning curve.

“There is a lot of young talent on the team comprised of players who have won a lot of junior high games and junior varsity games,” Moeller said, “but varsity basketball is not something they have tasted and varsity basketball feels a lot different than those lower levels.”

Still, Moeller plans to build upon the recent tradition and success of the program.

“Next year’s team will be young and inexperienced,” Moeller said, “but given time, I think ACS will return to the level of play that the fans have grown to appreciate over the past few years.”

Moeller, who becomes the fourth boys’ head coach in program history, has a strong knowledge of the background of Knights and appreciates the foundation that has been laid for future generations.

“I am extremely grateful to be trusted with the future of the boys’ basketball program at ACS. Previous players and coaches have poured their time and energy into the program and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Moeller said. “My program philosophy is nine simple words: ‘Play hard, play for each other, play for HIM.’ If we do that, regardless of the wins and losses, I think ACS fans and the community will see a team they can be proud of.”