Mark Polsgrove has been named Appalachian State University men’s basketball’s director of player development, head coach Jim Fox announced on Tuesday.
Polsgrove will oversee player development for the men’s basketball program. He will continue and expand the larger role that he had taken on over the course of his two seasons as a graduate assistant in the program.
“We’re thrilled and excited to have Mark returning to our staff after serving two seasons as a graduate assistant” Fox said. “He has been a valuable asset over the last two years and with his return we are keeping the continuity of our staff, which is important for the continued growth and development of our program.”
Polsgrove is entering his third season on the men’s basketball staff at Appalachian State. He came to Appalachian in 2014 as a graduate assistant and served in a variety of roles, including video coordinator, assistant director of camps, coordinating and executing alumni and booster events and led the design of all game and practice uniforms, as well as, the design and ordering of all team gear.
He also assisted the director of basketball operations, Bryan Bender, with coordinating the booking of team meals, hotels and flights, while planning recruiting trips and official visits. He oversaw the hiring and supervising of student managers and conducted individual player workouts.
Prior to arriving at Appalachian, Polsgrove spent three seasons as a member of the Gardner-Webb University men’s basketball program. He spent two seasons working for current Butler head coach Chris Holtmann and one season working for current head coach Tim Craft. While at GWU, Polsgrove served as the head manager and assistant video coordinator from 2013 to 2014. He oversaw and hired student managers, developed and organized team scouting reports, assisted in player development, assisted the director of operations and served as the co-director of summer team camps.
Before being promoted, Polsgrove served as a student manager and later being promoted to head manager prior to the 2012-13 season. Beginning as a manager in 2011, he managed team gear/equipment and laundry, while contributing with film editing, scouting reports and keeping stats. He also oversaw recruiting biographies and recruiting mail-outs.
“I am very honored and blessed to be able to continue my coaching career here at Appalachian State and I’d like to thank coach Fox for the opportunity,” said Polsgrove. “To be able to learn and grow in coach Fox’s system – a high-functioning basketball environment over the past two seasons has really accelerated my development and I look forward to continuing our program’s hard work as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
Polsgrove graduated with a Bachelor of Science in sports management from Gardner-Webb in December of 2013. He most recently completed his masters in business administration with a focus in leading and managing human resources this past May from Appalachian State.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT POLSGROVE
“Mark is a diligent, hard working young man who comes from a terrific coaching family. He has a bright future. I’m excited for Mark and App State basketball.”
– Chris Holtmann, head men’s basketball coach at Butler University
“Mark is a very conscientious and proactive young coach. He understands the sense of urgency that is required for success in college athletics. He will continue to be an asset in this position for App State basketball.”
– Tim Craft, head men’s basketball coach at Gardner-Webb University
“I am extremely confident Mark will bring passion to his new position of Director of Player Development at Appalachian State University. Mark grew up around the game and has a great understanding of how to improve upon players skill levels. He will bring enthusiasm and organization to his new position and the players are fortunate to be working with Mark.”
– Steve Drabyn, assistant men’s basketball coach at Lipscomb University
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