Coach Rex Stanley grew up in Onalaska, WA. His love of basketball led him to pursue a degree in education so that he could teach and coach basketball. He attended Central Washington University where he was an assistant coach from 1996-98. During both years they reached the Elite Eight at the National Tournament.
Coach Stanley started his high school coaching career at Napavine High School in 2000. In his second year as head coach in 2001, he guided Napavine to the State Tournament. Rex has spent twenty-five seasons guiding the Napavine Tigers to success. His success includes sixteen State Tournament appearances and placing seven times at the State Tournament. He has won six District Championships and has won 413 games with a 66% winning percentage. Most importantly, he has built positive relationships with all his players and coaches over the years. Every year, former players and coaches come into the school to see Coach Stanley and talk about basketball and life.
“Coach Stanley understands the time commitment to establish a successful basketball program. He knows the work that it takes to build a successful program, and establish relationships and rapport with students, parents, boosters, community members, staff, administrators, and board members,” said Napavine Superintendent Shane Schutz.
He has been married since 1992 to Laura. They grew up together in Onalaska and have two sons. Both boys played for their dad. Peyton graduated in 2018 and now teaches in Napavine. He scored over 1,000 points for Napavine. Cael is a 2024 graduate. He holds the career assist record at Napavine with 496.
“After twenty-five years of coaching, I am most proud that I was able to start and finish my coaching career at one school, Napavine,” said Coach Stanley.
