BS: Bloomsburg University; MS: University of Illinois
Sport Responsibilities: Men's Basketball and supervises all other teams
Robert "Handy" Handerahan recently completed his 25th season at George Mason in 2021-22. During his career in Fairfax, he has played a critical role in the development and success of the men’s basketball program. He has helped lead the program to five NCAA Tournament appearances, the 2006 Final Four and three NIT berths while mentoring four CAA Players of the Year.
Under Handerahan’s tutelage, 37 Mason standouts have garnered All-CAA and All-A-10 recognition, while 20 have earned NABC All-District honors. In addition, he has developed three A-10 Most Improved Players in the past six seasons and has led a pair of student-athletes to All-Rookie honors, including 2021 A-10 Rookie of the Year Tyler Kolek. This past season, he worked closely with Josh Oduro as the junior forward became the first All-A-10 First Team selection in program history. In addition, he has mentored three conference Defensive Players of the Year during his time with the Green & Gold.
Handerahan also works with other George Mason teams, designing training programs for student-athletes to prevent injury and enhance performance. A number have earned recognition as Olympians, National Champions, All-Americans and all-conference selections. He has lectured on training methodology to coaching delegations representing China, Russia, Venezuela, Libya, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Azerbaijan and Tel Aviv/Jerusalem through the U.S. State Department Visitors Program.
Handerahan came to George Mason from the University of Illinois where he earned a Master's Degree in Kinesiology. During his time with the Illini, he worked with NFL draft picks, several All-Americans and Big Ten Players of the Year.
Prior to Illinois, Handerahan earned a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science from Bloomsburg University. He worked as the strength coach at Southern Columbia High School; the team won the 1994 state title in football. He worked with the Pennsylvania State Player of the Year and several All-State football selections. In April 2010, he was a team member inductee into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Romanoski Chapter.
Handerahan is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA and a Performance Enhancement Specialist through the NASM. He has completed the United States Weightlifting Federation Club Coach Certification program. He is also certified in Plant-Based Nutrition by the T. Colin Campbell Foundation.
Handerahan is a native of Atlas, Pa. He currently resides in Reston with his wife, the former Leigh Pierson, and their daughter, Ella (17).
