Bio

Lance Thornhill began his tenure as head coach for Fontbonne men's basketball during the 2015-16 season, making 2023-24 his ninth year as head coach.

In 2021-22, Coach Thornhill guided the Griffins to a 17-7 (12-2 SLIAC) overall record and its first SLIAC Conference Championship since the 2008-09 season. The 17 wins were the most since 2008-09 season and Coach Thoornhill became the first in program history to win SLIAC Coach of the Year. 

This will be Thornhill's 27th year with the Griffins, having served as assistant men's basketball coach for 20 years and before taking on the role of head coach. His wealth of experience to the bench aided in much of Fontbonne basketball’s success over the years including four conference tournament championships accompanied by four national tournament appearances.

Thornhill also serves as Director of Golf Operations. Thornhill began as head men's golf coach in 1995 and has led the men's golf team to St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Championships in 2002, 2004, and 2006. He has been named the SLIAC Coach of the Year in 2002, 2004 and 2006. Last season was the first year the women's golf program competed in conference play. An affiliate member of the Midwest Conference, Coach Thornhill produced a Griffin who finished third in the conference tournament.

Coach Thornhill graduated from Pattonville High School in St. Louis County, where he was a St. Louis All-Metro performer in basketball and a 5A Missouri state champion in golf. He attended college at Missouri State University playing both sports until an injury forced him off the basketball floor. He continued to excel on the golf course, earning varsity letters in 1989, 1990 and 1991 and was selected to the 1989 Mid-Continent All-Conference team.

Coach Thornhill earned his undergraduate degree from Missouri State University and his master’s degree in Business Administration from Fontbonne University while serving as a graduate assistant.