Emmaus Bible College Athletic Director, Chris McHugh, announced today that Kyle Graw will assume the new full-time position of Assistant Athletic Director / Head Men’s Basketball Coach.
Graw, a native of Cedar Rapids, IA, becomes the first Assistant Athletic Director in Emmaus history. Graw will debut on the sideline for the Eagles at the start of the 2020-21 season, and he will immediately begin recruiting and preparations for next season.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kyle to the newly created position of Assistant Athletic Director / Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Coach Graw has a proven track record of success while leading the women’s basketball program at Emmaus from 2013-19. I know that he is motivated and eager to serve all of our Emmaus student-athletes, and to mentor our men’s basketball players specifically. Coach Graw is passionate about discipleship, and I am confident that he will an excellent ambassador for Emmaus Athletics throughout the state of Iowa and beyond,” said McHugh.
Graw, who is a graduate of Emmaus Bible College and a former three-year point guard for the Eagles, earned his degree in Biblical Studies and Youth Ministry, after transferring from Iowa Lakes Community College, where he also played for one season.
“I am very appreciative to Coach McHugh and Emmaus Bible College for this opportunity to coach these young men at Emmaus. My philosophy is that we play basketball for the purpose of honoring our Lord and advancing His kingdom, building character through adversity that the game of basketball presents, and for the fellowship of believers that comes from playing a game we love. Our commitment as a team will be the loyalty to one another, as a band of brothers who are ready to lay down their lives for one-another, as Christ laid down his life for us. I am excited to begin cultivating a healthy team culture by establishing our 5 pillars of success: Self-Awareness, Ownership, Integrity, Accountability, and Loyalty. This will be an exciting process as we pursue Christ through basketball in light of eternity.”
Graw is no stranger to Iowa and to building programs at Emmaus. Coach Graw transformed and led the women’s basketball program over six seasons, which culminated in a 2018 NCCAA Regional Championship and NCCAA National Tournament appearance, earning Graw the 2018 NCCAA North Regional Coach of the Year Award. In addition, Coach Graw’s Lady Eagles set the standard in the Midwest Christian College Conference, claiming 3 regular season championships and 3 conference tournament titles during his tenure.
As Graw begins his new role as Assistant Athletic Director, he will be responsible for operational duties within the Athletic Department, while also investing in alumni, community, and high school relationships throughout the Midwest and with partners of Emmaus.
“Coach McHugh and I are grateful for the support from the Emmaus administration, and we will strive to elevate all aspects of the Emmaus Athletic experience,” stated Graw. “We appreciate our student-athletes and our Emmaus Alumni Athletes, and we hope to raise the profile and influence of Emmaus Athletics, while faithfully representing Jesus Christ to the sporting community.”
Kyle and his wife, Tina, reside in Dubuque with their three children, Elijah, Laila Rose and Bella.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Graw to the Emmaus Athletic Department and coaching staff!
Coaching Highlights:
- 2018 NCCAA North Regional Coach of the Year
- 70-54 career record with Emmaus Lady Eagles
Team Highlights:
- NCCAA DII National Tournament Participant – 2018
- NCCAA North Regional Champions – 2018
- MCCC Regular Season Champions – 2016, 2017, 2019
- MCCC Tournament Champions – 2016, 2017, 2019
- MCCC Sportsmanship Award – 2019
- ACCA National Runner-Up – 2017
Player Highlights:
- 1 – NCCAA DII 1 st Team All-American
- 2 – NCCAA DII 2 nd Team All-Americans
- 11 – NCCAA DII Scholar Athletes
- 2 – NCCAA North Regional MVP’s – 2018, 2019
- 3 – NCCAA North 1 st Team All-Region
- 1 – NCCAA North 2 nd Team All-Region
- 1 – NCCAA North 3 rd Team All-Region
- 1 – NCCAA North Honorable Mention All-Region
- 3 – MCCC Most Valuable Players – 2017, 2018, 2019
- 9 – MCCC 1 st Team All-Conference
- 1 – MCCC 2 nd Team All-Conference
- 3 – MCCC Honorable Mention All-Conference
- 3 – ACCA 1 st Team All-American
- 3 – ACCA 2 nd Team All-Americans
- 1 – ACCA Honorable Mention All-American
- 1 – ACCA Scholar Athlete
https://emmausathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/releases/20200124owu28h
