Brandon Rinta is the Head Coach of the Central Washington University men’s basketball program, entering his eighth season leading the Wildcats. Since taking over in 2018, Rinta has guided the program to consistent success in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC), highlighted by a GNAC Tournament Championship in the 2023–24 season and a regular season conference title in 2024–25. His teams have made multiple postseason appearances, including NCAA Division II West Regional berths, and have been recognized for both competitive excellence and academic achievement. Under his leadership, the Wildcats have consistently ranked among the top teams in the conference, combining high-level performance with strong player development and team cohesion.
Prior to returning to Central Washington, Rinta built a highly successful head coaching career at Lewis-Clark State College, where he compiled a 164–62 record and led the program to multiple conference titles and NAIA National Tournament appearances. He was named NAIA National Coach of the Year in 2013 after leading his team to an 18–0 start. His coaching background also includes roles at Northwest Nazarene University and Eastern Washington University, where he helped develop future NBA talent and contributed to multiple postseason runs. A former Wildcat player, Rinta competed at Central Washington from 1999 to 2001 after beginning his collegiate career at Yakima Valley College. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Washington and a master’s degree in athletic administration from Eastern Washington. Rinta resides in Ellensburg, Washington, with his wife and two children.
