Meet Coach Pulkkinen

Head Coach Since 2015

Since 2015, Coach Pulkkinen has led Windham to back-to-back Class AA state and regional titles in 2024 and 2025. The 2024 title was the program’s first Gold Ball, and that team set a school record with 19 wins. Windham boys basketball also earned its first No. 1 ranking across all classes in Maine. In 2025, Coach Pulkkinen earned his 100th career win.

Pulkkinen was named SMAA Coach of the Year in 2016-17. He later earned MABC AA North Coach of the Year honors in 2023-24 and 2024-25, along with AA North Coach of the Year in 2023-24 and Varsity Maine All-State Coach of the Year in 2023-24 and 2024-25. His teams have also been recognized twice with SMAA sportsmanship awards.

Windham Roots

Graduating in 2002, Pulkkinen helped the Eagles reach the postseason in both his junior and senior seasons, earning McDonald's All-Star and SMAA All-Conference recognition.

Saint Joseph’s College

At Saint Joseph's College, Pulkkinen played for Hall of Famer Rick Simonds and Rob Sanicola, serving as team captain for three seasons. His career included the 2003 NCAA tournament, a Northeast Region Independent title, and an ECAC championship in 2007, when his senior team went 22-8. He topped 1,000 career points and ranks second all-time at the school with 192 three-pointers. Saint Joseph's welcomed him into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025.

Professional Basketball

After earning his business degree, Pulkkinen played professionally for the Northampton Neptunes in the England Basketball League during the 2007-08 season, averaging 19 points per game. A knee injury brought his playing career to a close, but while with the Neptunes, he coached over 400 young players from the Northampton area.

The opportunity to coach the varsity program at Windham High School has always been a dream of mine. I always knew when my playing career ended, I wanted to somehow contribute and give back to the basketball program in my community. I look forward to this opportunity and helping our student-athletes both on and off the court reach their full potential.
Coach Chad Pulkkinen

Off the court, Pulkkinen lives in Windham with his wife and two children, and serves as president of Windham Millwork, Inc.