Hope College has named Greg Mitchell as its head men’s basketball coach.
The 48-year-old Mitchell is the 11th head coach in the Flying Dutchmen’s storied history. He is a 1989 Hope graduate who played four seasons of basketball for the Flying Dutchmen.
Mitchell spent the past 25 years coaching varsity boys basketball at Laingsburg High School near Lansing, Michigan, while teaching for Laingsburg and Okemos schools.
Hope co-athletic director Tim Schoonveld said he is excited to have Mitchell on board as head coach.
"He’s a man of integrity, a great family man and an amazing coach," Schoonveld said. "I think people are going to be really excited to have him around. He’s been associated with the Hope family throughout the years.
"He’s highly respected in the state of Michigan by basketball coaches. I would say he’s even more respected by the Hope basketball community. We feel blessed to have Greg and Dina and their family join the Hope community."
Mitchell compiled a 362-201 career record at Laingsburg, including a state runner-up finish during the 2012-13 season.
Mitchell said he is overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Hope men’s basketball team.
"There is no greater place in my opinion than Hope College," said Mitchell, a native of Okemos. "It’s blessing for me to be, number one, considered as a candidate, then, number two, hired. My family is grateful for the opportunity. I’m grateful for it.
"To be part of the legacy that is Hope basketball is something I won’t take lightly. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity."
Mitchell played at Hope on two Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship teams and helped the Flying Dutchmen post a 74-27 record during his four seasons.
Mitchell still holds the Flying Dutchmen record for career 3-point shooting at 46.4 percent (116-of-250). He averaged a career-high 10.3 points per game his senior season.
At Laingsburg, Mitchell coached the Wolfpack to three Michigan High School Athletic Association regional championships, six district championships and six conference championships.
Mitchell was named Coach of the Year seven times: twice in Class C By the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (2013 and 1997), once in Class C by the Associated Press Sports Editors of Michigan (2012), once in Class C by the Detroit News (2013) and three times by the Lansing State Journal (2013, 2012 and 1997).
Mitchell called his 25-year relationship as Laingsburg’s basketball coach wonderful.
"I appreciate them taking a chance on a kid coming out of Hope," Mitchell said. "I received nothing but amazing support over the years. I had the privilege of coaching some outstanding young men who I’ll miss dearly but certainly never forget. They gave me a chance to build a program, and I thought we built a great one. Much of that credit goes to the players I had."
Mitchell taught at Laingsburg for 22 years and Okemos for three.
Mitchell earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Hope. He also received a master’s degree in athletic administration from Michigan State University.
Mitchell and his wife, Dina Zurchauer (’88), have four children: daughters, Aleah, 21; Quincie, 19; and Jalynn, 17; and son Bryson, 15.
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