Frank William Wade was born on November 26, 1982 in Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up, he developed a love for basketball, as his father would take him to high school and Vanderbilt University basketball games as a child. This early exposure to the sport sparked a passion in Wade that would ultimately shape his future career.
After graduating from Franklin Road Academy in Nashville, Wade went on to attend Clemson University. It was during his time at Clemson that he began his basketball career as the student manager of the men's basketball team. This early experience laid the foundation for his future success in the sport.
Following his graduation from Clemson, Wade continued to pursue his love for basketball by entering the coaching world. His big break came when Tommy Amaker, head coach of Harvard University men's basketball team, hired him as his first assistant coach. Wade's recruiting talents quickly shone through, as he helped to bring in a top 25 class for the program.
Wade's success at Harvard caught the attention of Shaka Smart, who then brought him on as an assistant coach at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Wade's time at VCU was marked by continued success, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and dedicated coach.
In 2013, Wade was appointed as the head coach of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's basketball team. During his tenure at UTC, Wade made a significant impact on the program, leading the team to several successful seasons.
In 2015, Wade's coaching talents were once again recognized when he was hired as the head coach at Virginia Commonwealth University. Wade's time at VCU was marked by notable achievements, including guiding the team to a successful run in the NCAA tournament.
Wade's coaching career reached new heights in 2017 when he was appointed as the head coach of Louisiana State University (LSU). Wade's tenure at LSU was met with both success and controversy, culminating in his dismissal in March of 2022 amid allegations of NCAA violations.
Off the court, Wade is a devoted husband to his wife, Jennifer Lauren Deason. The couple welcomed a daughter in 2015, further adding to Wade's joy and fulfillment outside of basketball.
Throughout his coaching career, Frank William Wade has left a lasting impact on the world of college basketball. His passion for the sport, dedication to his players, and recruiting prowess have solidified his place as a respected and influential figure in the coaching community.
Wade's journey from a student manager at Clemson to a head coach at LSU is a testament to his hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to his craft. While his career may have faced challenges along the way, there is no denying the mark that Frank William Wade has made on the world of college basketball.