The Vault Files: Corey Lowery
Seton Hall’s Grinder Behind the Grind
- By: Nathan Mook and Thomas Harkness -
In this edition of The Vault Files, Nathan Mook of The Vault Network talks with Corey Lowery, assistant coach for the Seton Hall Pirates, as the two discuss the upcoming 2024-25 season and the process underway in South Orange, New Jersey.
A former college player himself, Lowery is a 1998 graduate of Rutgers-Newark, who later earned a master's degree in educational leadership and administration from Saint Peter's University in 2001. Now entering his fourth year at Seton Hall, he's been a fixture on Shaheen Holloway's staff since the duo reunited in South Orange ahead of the 2022–23 season, boasting decades of sideline experience and a proven track record of winning at nearly every level of the game.
Before arriving in South Orange, Lowery spent two seasons as the head coach at Lincoln University, where he led the Lions to an 18–10 record in the 2021–22 season and was named the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Coach of the Year. That season saw standout junior Zahrion Blue take home the Player of the Year award and All-CIAA honors, averaging 18.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Additionally, freshman Bakir Cleveland (9.7 PPG) made the CIAA All-Rookie Team. Before Lincoln, Lowery worked alongside Shaheen Holloway at Saint Peter's from 2018 to 2020 as a director of player development and coaching consultant, helping guide the Peacocks to back-to-back MAAC Tournament appearances.
Before his time in the Division I ranks, Lowery carved out a dominant run at the junior college level. Over six seasons at Essex County College (2011–17), his program went a staggering 157–35 and 88–6 in region/conference play, winning five straight Region XIX titles, five GSAC championships, and making multiple NJCAA tournament runs—including a national runner-up finish in 2014. Lowery was named District 12 Coach of the Year in each of those five seasons. He also spent four years building a powerhouse at Middlesex County College, where his teams went 88–28, claimed three GSAC titles, reached the NJCAA Elite Eight in 2008, and twice earned a #1 national ranking.
A Newark native with deep New Jersey roots, Lowery got his start in the high school ranks at Hillside High, where he was named Union County Coach of the Year in 2004. His career also includes assistant stops at Bloomfield College (2005–06) and multiple NCAA Tournament berths at the Division II level. His record as a head coach across all stops is a remarkable 322-90 (.782).
Lowery was part of Seton Hall's 2024 NIT championship staff and remains a vital piece of Holloway's rebuild—serving as a trusted voice, tireless recruiter, and battle-tested tactician.
Click the link below for the full interview with Corey Lowery: