Photo by Niahlah Hope, Amherst Office of Public Affairs

Guard - Aaron Toomey
Amherst College
2010 - 2014

All-American selections: 2012 (Honorable Mention), 2013 (1st), 2014 (Player of the Year)

All-Region selections: 2012 (1st), 2013 (Player of the Year), 2014 (Player of the Year)

Conference MVPs: 2013, 2014

NCAA Tournament appearances: 2011 (Elite 8), 2012 (Sweet 16), 2013 (national champions), 2014 (Final Four)

Other honors: 2013 NABC Player of the Year

From the archives

• ATN: From the court to the sidelines (June 2018)
• Toomey sets school career scoring record (Amherst video) (January 2014)
• Amherst, Toomey in a familiar place (April 2013)
• Toomey's late bucket edges Ephs (February 2012)

What others say: "Aaron is, in fact, a true generational player. He led us to a record three straight conference titles, going 38-1 during the stretch. A big play maker down the stretch, whether a shot or pass for an open shot or made free throws (90%+), Aaron found a way for us to win. A national champion and two-time national player of the year, Aaron was as tough mentally and physically as he was talented. A great basketball mind – it was a pleasure and great fun to coach a young man who was truly a coach on the floor as well." – Dave Hixon, former Amherst head men's basketball coach

In their own words: "I am honored to be named to the All-Decade Team. Playing Division III basketball truly shaped my life and led me into coaching at the D-III level. I owe so much to Coach Hixon for my success and thank him for everything he has done for me. Also want to give a shout-out to all my teammates during my career. Some of the best people I know and couldn't have had the success individually or as a team without them!"

Where are they now: Assistant men's basketball coach at Vassar

Career synopsis: Toomey was an impact player from Day One at Amherst, coming off the bench in an Elite Eight run as a freshman, then leading the team in scoring and assists for three seasons, including two trips to Salem for the national semifinals and a championship in 2012-13. One of those rare players who could dominate a game without the need to score, Toomey was responsible for much of the Amherst offense, whether drawing defenders and passing for open shots, stepping back and shooting, even from deep, or lowering his shoulder and unleashing a vicious ability to get to the rim. At 89.8%, Toomey remains the NCAA Division III career leader in free throw percentage, among those who attempted more than 500 shots (609 of 675). He finished wtih 2,033 career points, still the only player in Amherst men's basketball history to reach the 2,000-point milestone.

His physical gifts were complimented by a tremendous analytical mind – the development of Toomey's decision-making abilities over four years was as responsible for Amherst’s success as any other factor. That trajectory continued into the professional ranks, where Toomey made an early splash in Spain before a head injury forced an early retirement. Beyond the wins and accolades, his legacy is one of great respect from teammates and opponents alike.