Graceland University head men’s basketball coach Cory Hoff has finalized the Yellowjacket coaching staff for the 2018-19 season. The coaching staff will feature four returning assistant coaches with the addition of two new members for this season. Hoff’s seven-person coaching staff will feature two assistant coaches and four student assistant coaches.
“I am really excited about the staff that we have put together here at Graceland,” Hoff said. “Our staff brings a good mix of experience, energy, knowledge, and passion to our program. I look forward to working with our staff this season while helping them develop as coaches.”
AJ Gordon – Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator (2nd Season)
AJ Gordon is being retained on staff from the 2018 National Championship team. He will continue to serve as the recruiting coordinator, utilizing his ties throughout Iowa as Coach Hoff and his staff continue to build the program with Midwest student-athletes.
“AJ is a big-time coach with an incredibly bright future in this industry,” Hoff said. “He played such an important role in our success this past season. AJ will be a valuable member to have when preparing scouting reports, developing game plans, and making in-game adjustments. AJ is a well-rounded coach that I will lean on throughout the season for assistance in all areas of our program.”
Travis Petrie – Assistant Coach (1st Season)
Travis Petrie joins the staff after serving four years with NCAA D1 University of Wisconsin-Green Bay as a student manager and the past three seasons as a Graduate Assistant at Doane University. He was part of a Horizon League Championship team at UWGB and values the NAIA level from his experience at Doane University.
“Travis will hit the ground running with us once he arrives in August,” said Hoff. “His primary responsibilities will include academic support, film preparation, player development, and recruiting. Travis came highly recommended and I look forward to the impact that he will make on our program.”
Ben Kluzak – Head Student Assistant (3rd Season)
Ben has been a crucial member of our coaching staff and returns as Head Student Assistant for our program.
“When I think of Ben, he has one of the best work ethics I have ever witnessed,” said Hoff. “He is a humble, behind-the-scenes type of person that makes our program run smoothly. Ben is involved with all aspects of our program but will take on a larger role with on-the-court coaching, recruiting, and player development this season. I couldn’t be more excited to have Ben return as a Yellowjacket!”
Teddy Palmer – Head JV Coach (3rd Season)
Teddy Palmer will be coaching the Varsity Reserve program this year.
“Teddy has done a great job for our program over these past two years. He will be involved in all facets of our program, but his primary responsibilities will be to provide leadership for our Varsity Reserve program,” Hoff said. “He has all of the tools to be a successful head coach one day and I look forward to seeing his growth and development as a leader.”
Ron Keller – Student Assistant (2nd Season)
Ron Keller returns to the program for a second season as a Student Assistant.
“He is a high academic student that will take on the role of managing our databases and running our analytics for the program,” remarked Hoff. “With Ron’s goal of becoming an Athletic Director, this will provide valuable experience as he earns his Bachelor’s degree this Spring. He will also provide assistance with player development and the day-to-day operations. Ron does a great job for us and I am excited to have him back for his senior year.”
Brenden Teague – Student Assistant (1st Season)
Brenden joins the coaching staff this season after competing as a member of the program last year.
“Brenden wants to be a coach and I look forward in helping him achieve this goal,” Hoff said. “Brenden was a high IQ player and it will transition over to the coaching side for him. His primary responsibilities will be to assist with day-to-day operations and serving as the primary assistant for the Varsity Reserve program. Brenden has a bright future and I look forward to working with him over the next three years.”
