Graceland University is pleased to announce the promotion of Cory Hoff as the next Graceland University Men’s Basketball Head Coach. The announcement was made Wednesday by Athletic Director Brady McKillip with the support of President Patricia H. Draves and Vice President of Enrollment Management Scott Briell.
“I couldn’t be happier for Cory and his family,” stated McKillip. “He is ready to be a head coach, and I feel he will keep the success we have built the last few years moving forward.”
“Graceland has a strong momentum of success, and Coach Hoff has been a big part of that movement,” stated President Draves. “I’m proud to welcome him to this new position and look forward to another exciting basketball season.”
Hoff, who has served most recently as Graceland Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach, steps into the new role effective immediately, replacing Craig Doty, who has accepted a position at Emporia State.
“It is an honor and privilege to be offered the head coach for Graceland’s men’s basketball team,” commented Hoff in his acceptance. “I look forward to serving in this new capacity. I want to especially thank Athletic Director Brady McKillip, Vice President Scott Briell and President Draves for this opportunity. Together, we can help next year’s student-athletes reach their goals.”
Hoff was an integral part in guiding the Yellowjackets to their first-ever NAIA Division I National Championship this spring.
“We are looking to Cory to continue the tradition of excellence,” stated Briell. “His outstanding effort as the assistant coach was a factor in Graceland’s national championship title, and it helped prepare him to be the next Graceland head coach.”
Entering the 2017-18 season, the Yellowjackets were unranked. Graceland finished the year with a 29-10 overall record, winning its last 11 straight games, 12 of its last 13, and the Yellowjackets were 19-2 from Jan. 17 through the end of the season.
Hoff was a major part of Graceland’s back-to-back 20+ win season and national championship. The Jackets also claimed their first-ever Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament crown, made their first appearance at the national championship and won the program’s first NAIA DI Men’s Basketball National Championship.
Hoff’s primary duties have included recruiting coordination, player development, scouting, academic support and team defense management.
A native of Deckerville, Michigan, Hoff comes to Graceland after spending the past four seasons at Mesa Community College, an NJCAA Division I institution in Arizona, three as the lead assistant and recruiting coordinator.
While at Mesa, Hoff assisted the Thunderbirds to an 84-36 overall record over four seasons. Mesa made the NJCAA Re
gion I Division I playoffs in all four seasons. In addition to a 68-20 record in Arizona Community College Athletic Conference play, Mesa won the ACCAC regular season and Region I Division I playoffs during the 2013-14 season. Mesa achieved an ACCAC regular season and postseason r
unner-up finish in both the 2012-13 and 2014-15 seasons.
Hoff was responsible for recruiting, player development, scheduling, scouting and academic support while at Mesa. He helped to recruit and develop eight All-ACCAC student-athletes during his tenure and played a role in the recruitment and development of NJCAA Division I 2nd team All-American Khari Holloway at Mesa.
Hoff graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and wellness, and Concordia University-Irvine with a Master of Art in coaching and athletic administration.
Hoff continued, “My family and I enjoy being members of the community, and that’s part of what makes Graceland such a special place.”
Hoff resides in Lamoni with his wife, Tatum, and their two daughters, Talea and Caley.
