After having filled the position himself for seven years, CMU head basketball coach, Matt Sherman knows a thing or two about what is needed to be the Eagles’ assistant mens’ basketball coach. While looking for his own replacement, those things were at the forefront of Sherman’s mind.

Sherman assumed the mantle of head coach after his father, Jeff Sherman, was named athletic director at CMU after serving for 37 years as men’s basketball head coach.

With those things in mind, Sherman found Forrest Hicks.

“We are excited to have Forrest as our new Assistant Coach,” stated Sherman. “He brings a lot of experience in a short, but very successful coaching career. Forrest has been a part of multiple final-four programs and has had other successes in the national tournament. He has seen what it takes to be great in the Heart and NAIA. I have no doubt he will help us reach our goals.”

Hicks’ most recent success came during the last three seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois. During the 2021-22 season, RVC finished third in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament after winning 24 games over the season. In both of the two previous seasons, RVC also reached the 20-win level.

Hicks previously served as a graduate assistant at William Penn University before moving into the roles of recruiting coordinator, academic liaison, and player development assistant. He also served as the Junior Varsity head coach. During his tenure at William Penn, the Statesmen went 52-17, earning two trips to the national tournament and a Fab Four appearance.

Hicks is a native of St. Joseph, Missouri and played for four years at the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas, graduating in 2016. He then earned his Masters in Business Leadership while at William Penn.