A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman—a key contributor to everything Graceland has built—to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
The move represents both a celebration of what has been built, and a confident step toward what comes next.
Lorensen’s three-year run will be remembered as the period that reestablished Graceland as an NAIA force. Following wins of 21 and 24 in his first two seasons, the Yellowjackets finished 26-7 this past year, capturing the Heart of America Athletic Conference regular-season championship and earning a second consecutive NAIA National Tournament berth—both firsts in program history. Lorensen was named Heart Coach of the Year in recognition.
In a remarkably short window, Graceland transformed from a program chasing consistency into one defined by it—built on efficiency, depth, and a clear identity.
For McKillip, the trajectory under Lorensen was unmistakable. “Coach Lorensen elevated this program to national prominence within the NAIA,” McKillip said. “What he accomplished in such a short time speaks to his vision, his ability to build culture, and his commitment to excellence. This opportunity at Rockhurst is a natural next step and a reflection of the work he’s done here.”
Lorensen’s departure comes not as a disruption, but as a continuation of upward momentum—both for himself and the program he leaves behind.
“The words ‘thank you’ truly are not enough to express my appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at Graceland the past three seasons,” Lorensen said. “President Joel Shrock, Athletic Director Brady McKillip, Vice President for Institutional Advancement & Vice President for Admissions Kristi Hettrick, and countless others were instrumental in our ability to pursue excellence during our tenure.”
Lorensen continued by pointing to the collective effort that fueled the program’s rise. “The Graceland community, our alumni, donors, and friends of the program played a key role in helping us operate a championship-level program. The coaches I worked side by side with and our players deserve all the credit for what has been built here. Their dedication and hard work will never be forgotten.”
That foundation—rooted in accountability, player development, and shared ownership—now becomes the launching point for the program’s future.
“I’m extremely proud of what our program has accomplished and excited for next year’s team to build on the momentum the recent years have created,” Lorensen added. “Graceland will always have a special place in my heart.”
If Lorensen’s departure signals the closing of one chapter, the promotion of Dickman underscores the intentional continuity of the next.
Few assistants in small college basketball have been more integral to sustained success over the past several seasons. Entering his third year with the program and second as associate head coach, Dickman has been a central figure in Graceland’s rise—helping guide the Yellowjackets to three consecutive 20-win seasons, a conference championship, and back-to-back national tournament appearances. His impact has been felt across every layer of the program, from player development to game preparation to the cultivation of a cohesive, team-first culture.
For McKillip, the decision was never in doubt. “Coach Dickman is one of the top assistant coaches in small college basketball and has been instrumental in everything we’ve built here,” McKillip said. “This is a natural transition. He’s more than ready to lead this program—not just to maintain our success, but to elevate it to the level of a perennial national title contender.”
That vision is rooted in both continuity and ambition. With a national championship (2018) already part of the program’s history, Graceland’s recent ascent has positioned it to once again pursue that standard.
“I am excited for Coach Dickman to get his first head coaching opportunity,” Lorensen said. “He has been a loyal friend and assistant for many years, and we built this together. He’s been a winner everywhere he’s coached and has earned the right to lead his own program.”
Lorensen’s confidence in his successor is rooted not only in trust, but in firsthand experience. Their partnership has long been central to their combined success, dating back to previous stops and culminating in their shared work at Graceland.
“Our success could not have occurred without him on staff,” he added. “The current players are fortunate to have such a great coach ready to lead them next season. Knowing the program will be under his leadership gives me great excitement and confidence moving forward.”
Dickman, in turn, embraces both the responsibility and the opportunity ahead. “Couldn’t be happier for Todd in his new endeavor—he’ll do great things, as he always does,” Dickman said. “I’m excited to take the helm and continue the work we’ve been doing. We’re building a tradition of good people pursuing excellence, and we’ll remain steadfast in that mission.”
He also acknowledged the leadership that made the transition possible. “Sincere thanks to Dr. Joel Shrock and Brady McKillip for the opportunity to lead this program.”
Transitions often bring uncertainty. At Graceland, this one brings clarity. The Yellowjackets are not starting over—they are moving forward, with a proven leader stepping into a role he has long been preparing for and a program firmly positioned among the NAIA’s rising powers.
Lorensen reshaped expectations. Dickman inherits a program built to sustain—and potentially surpass—them.
