Bethel University men’s basketball head coach Steve Drabyn has announced his coaching staff for the 2019-20 season. Drabyn, entering his inaugural season as head coach, takes over a program that won 21 games a season ago and advanced to the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship first round—the program’s 16th championship appearance.
Drabyn will bring on Mark Polsgrove from Lees-McRae College (N.C.) and retain Alex Daniel as an assistant coach. In addition, last season’s men’s basketball Director of Basketball Operations, Will Abbott, has been named as a Graduate Assistant Coach and will lead the junior varsity program.
Mark Polsgrove comes to the Pilots with eight years of collegiate basketball coaching experience, most recently having spent the 2018-19 season as the Associate Head Coach at Division II Lees-McRae College. Polsgrove graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management in 2013, where he was a student assistant and video coordinator for the Bulldogs from 2011-2014.
From there he moved on to Appalachian State as a graduate assistant and video coordinator from 2014-16. After earning his Master’s degree, Polsgrove was named the Director of Player Development at Appalachian State for the 2016-17 season and was the Director of Basketball Operations during the summer of 2017 for the Mountaineers. During the 2017-18 season, he was an assistant coach for Lees-McCrae where he helped lead the team to a conference championship, an NCAA tournament appearance, and coached a Freshman of the Year and three All-Conference players.
“I would like to thank Coach Drabyn for believing in me and providing me with the opportunity to serve at Bethel University,” described Polsgrove. “I have a great amount of respect for him both as a person and as a coach. I am excited to be a part of his staff and the historical program at Bethel. I can’t wait to get started!”
Polsgrove was named a NABC/Under Armour Top 30 Under 30 Coach in the country in 2018 and was also one of 30 NCAA Coaches in the country selected for the NCAA Leadership Academy.”
“Mark is a well-rounded coach that grew up the son of a college basketball coach and understands the coaching profession well,” stated Drabyn. “I had the privilege to coach with his father Scott and have built a relationship with Mark through the years. Mark’s strengths are his ability to connect with players, player development, recruiting, and being organized in all facets of a college basketball program. I am excited to have him on board.”
Alex Daniel will remain on staff for the Pilots for his seventh season on the bench. During his previous six seasons, the Pilots have been ranked in the Top 25 in every poll and have compiled a record of 153-51 and have won three Crossroads League Tournament Championships and one Crossroads League regular season title.
“I’m really excited to be able to learn under Coach Drabyn and to be a part of this staff,” detailed Daniel. “Steve brings a wealth of knowledge from his prior experiences that will allow us to continue to compete at a high level.”
Daniel has helped Pilot players to nine NAIA All-American honors, 13 NCCAA All-American honors, and 37 Crossroads League All-Conference honors since 2013-14.
“I am excited to have Alex remain on our staff, as he has a lot of experience in the Crossroads League and understands Bethel,” explained Drabyn. “Alex has great relationships with our players and the Bethel athletics staff. He has a niche in recruiting, understands the game, and brings credibility as a former player.”
Will Abbott graduated from Bethel in May after spending the previous four seasons as a student manager and Director of Basketball Operations for the Pilots. As the Director of Basketball Operations, Abbott was responsible for coordinating travel, assisting in practice, and assisting in recrutitment of both varsity and junior varsity players.
“I’m really excited to be joining Coach Drabyn’s staff!” affirmed Abbott. “I can’t wait to get to work and soak in all the knowledge he is bringing to the team!”
“Will has earned the opportunity to be a graduate assistant on our staff and continue to grow in the coaching profession,” said Drabyn. “Will brings a positive energy to our staff, connects well with players, and will gain valuable experience running our JV basketball team. I look forward to working with Will.”
