Notice of Contract Expiration for Head Coach Michael Katsuhisa

## Notice of Contract Expiration for Head Coach Michael Katsuhisa

We thank you for your continued support and cooperation with the Shinshu Brave Warriors.
We would like to announce that the contract with Head Coach Michael Katsuhisa will expire at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Michael Katsuhisa

■ Date of Birth: April 26, 1983
■ Birthplace: Tokyo
■ Education: Bellevue High School (Washington) -> Senshu University

■ Playing Career
2009-11 Osaka Evessa (bj league)

■ Coaching Career
2011-13 Yokohama B-Corsairs, Assistant Coach (bj league) *2013 League Champions
2013-15 Yokohama B-Corsairs, Head Coach (bj league)
2015-17 Shimane Susanoo Magic, Head Coach (bj league/B.LEAGUE) *2016-17 B2 West District Champions, B2 Runner-up, Promoted to B1
2017-18 Tochigi Brex, Assistant Coach (B.LEAGUE)
2018-26 Shinshu Brave Warriors, Head Coach (B.LEAGUE)
*2018-19 B2 Central District Champions, B2 Champions
*2019-20 B2 Central District Champions, Promoted to B1
*2020-21 Record for most wins by a newly promoted B1 club
*2024-25 B2 3rd Place
*2025-26 B2 East District Champions

## Comments from Head Coach Michael Katsuhisa

First of all, I want to thank Katakai-san and all the people who worked hard behind the scenes. Katakai-san, I really enjoyed our partnership.

To all the people who have been with this team and supported this team since Day 1, and who have loved and cared about the team so much—please know that you always made me want to work hard for you.

I want to thank all the players that I worked with over these eight years. Thank you for your hard work. I am grateful that I got to work with and build around special players like Mac and Wayne. We would not have been able to build the culture we built without you. The end of this chapter also means the end of working with Wayne. Wayne, you are the greatest. I got into coaching because of my love for the game. Louis and all of the young players that I got to coach helped my purpose evolve. I still do this for the love of the game, but my purpose also became teaching you, helping you, and hopefully being a good influence in your lives. Special guys like Mike helped me realize that even though I am competitive and hate losing, winning and losing pale in comparison to how much I care about you guys. I hope I was able to help each of you grow, as you all did for me.

Staff members like Hisa worked so tirelessly. Thank you for your hard work, understanding, and support. I really appreciate you guys.

Thank you to the boosters. There were ups and downs but it was a great ride. I received many messages—in person and in letters—about how we gave you inspiration. But it is this experience, watching the team grow, and all of you that inspired me and moved me. Thank you.

I am proud of what we have built here in Shinshu, and I will always cherish the memories and relationships.

And lastly, thank you to everyone who helped my family feel welcome in Nagano. My wife, my kids, and I love Nagano, and we always will.

Thank you and goodbye.