In 1985, Vic Schaefer was an assistant boys’ basketball coach at Milby High School in Houston. More than four decades later, the Texas Longhorns head coach hasn’t lost an ounce of the intensity, discipline, or competitive fire that have defined his coaching career. After all, he has just guided his program to a remarkable 35-4 record and a place in the Final Four. But there is more to Schaefer’s demanding coaching philosophy than meets the eye. His relentless approach and strict standards have deep roots in his family’s military background, an influence that has shaped both the coach and the person he has become. And on Veterans Day, Schaefer took a moment to honor two men who played a significant role in that journey.

“On this Veterans Day, remembering my father “The Colonel” & my namesake, Vic Koenig. Two men who loved their country, defended it against an evil man, Adolph Hitler. My father fought in the European Theatre in Germany, “Big Vic” on Normandy Beach. Forever my heroes. #LaGrange, Tx,” the Longhorns head coach wrote on X.

Charles Schaefer was a World War II veteran and later worked as a civil engineer. But Vic’s coaching methodology wasn’t influenced only by his father. Vic’s mother, Dorothy, also worked as a nurse in the Navy. But there was another person who influenced Vic, maybe the most. Charles’ best friend, Vic Koenig, referred to as ‘Big Vic,’ is the namesake of ‘Little Vic.’

“Between him and my father, I know what their country meant to them. If you were to come to my house, I’ve got the flag that was on my father’s casket. I’ve got all his medals.” Schaefer said, according to Kxan Sports.

Charles’ discipline and determination were qualities Vic witnessed from an early age. While he was a busy man, to say the least, he still made time for his son during his years as a civil engineer.

“This was a man that would drive to downtown Houston, work 8-5. Fight the traffic. Come home. Get home. Sit in his easy chair. And who would be there? It would be me saying, ‘Hey dad can we go out and throw the ball?’ Not one time did he ever say, ‘Son, I’m tired.’”

“The discipline piece, the attention to detail. Little things matter. I think all that I get from my parents.” Schaefer said.

And the results have been more than evident, with Schaefer establishing himself as one of the most accomplished coaches in women’s college basketball. His trophy cabinet includes the 2018 Naismith National Coach of the Year award, four SEC Coach of the Year honors (2015, 2018, 2019, and 2025), and the 2023 Big 12 Coach of the Year recognition. He was also named the 2019 espnW National Coach of the Year and swept multiple national coaching honors in 2018, including WBCA and USBWA awards.

But his success extends well beyond individual accolades. During his eight-year stint at Mississippi State, Schaefer transformed the Bulldogs into a national powerhouse, leading them to back-to-back NCAA championship games in 2017 and 2018. The former team famously ended UConn’s historic 111-game winning streak in the Final Four, earning an ESPY for Best Upset. Since taking over at Texas in 2020, he has continued that success, compiling a 179-40 (.817) record, guiding the Longhorns to multiple Elite Eight appearances and back-to-back Final Fours.

But the Longhorns’ head coach wasn’t the only one in the basketball world to honor Veterans Day, as he was joined by Team USA, UConn Huskies, and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.

“We thank & honor the generations of heroes who wore the uniform in service to our nation. Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸🫡,” the official Team USA basketball handle, alongside Team USAB Youth and Team USAB 3×3, posted on Instagram.

“Thank you to all who serve and have served our country. 🫡 Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸,” the Huskies posted on Instagram.

“To those who served, those in service, and those in line to serve, and the ones at home for all of them. Thank you.” Cunningham reposted on her Instagram story.

Now in his seventh season with Texas, Vic Schaefer will continue to build something at home that is meant to last. Pioneered by star Madison Booker, the Longhorns have started the season strong with a 2-0 record and are set to face South Dakota State Jackrabbits (1-1) on Wednesday night.