(Story courtesy of University of Dallas Athletics)
IRVING, Texas – A familiar face on the University of Dallas men's basketball sidelines for the past decade, Matt Grahn has been named the 17th head coach in program history, Athletics Director Jarred Samples announced last Friday.
Grahn rises up with Samples, who was named the new Athletics Director less than two weeks ago following the retirement of longtime Athletics Director Dick Strockbine. The coaching tandem have spent the better part of 13 seasons together led by Samples, who ends his UD coaching career as the all-time leader in wins (137) and seasons (13). The UD Alumni is passing the clipboard down to longtime assistant that has been by his side and developed the program both on and off the court.
"I am so excited to be named the next head men's basketball coach at the University of Dallas," Grahn exclaimed. "It is extremely humbling to be named to this position by an alumni player, former coach, and great friend. This is the realization of a dream that I've worked hard for and paid my dues to attain."
"I want to thank President Sanford and Vice President Plotts for this opportunity. A huge thank you to AD Jarred Samples for his belief and trust in me to take over a program he played in and coached for the last 13 years. What a tremendous honor to be able to continue building on the foundation that Coach Samples has laid for UD basketball!"
Grahn arrived at UD during the 2010-11 season as a volunteer assistant coach to Samples, and has been a staple for recruiting and post player development. Grahn in his first year helped recruit and develop 2011 Association of Division III Independents' Rookie of the Year Ross Davidson. Despite a 4-win season, Grahn was part of ushering in a new recruiting strategy that propelled the Crusaders to competing with a competitive Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). Since joining in 2011-12, the Crusaders have qualified for seven SCAC Tournaments, reaching the semifinals twice, and title game once, which came recently in 2018-19. The year that UD won its first SCAC Tournament game was the same year the team matched a program-record 18 wins. What was special about that team was the seniors that the coaching staff Samples and Grahn cultivated started their careers the same year as the program's inaugural campaign in the league.
Not long after Grahn was helping guide the basketball program did he become a full time member of the departmental staff by being hired as the Recruiting Coordinator. With the creation of this position, Grahn expanded his recruitment efforts department wide for what is now 15 NCAA Division III varsity sponsored sports. Grahn finished his ninth year for UD. In this timespan, he has been a resource for the department, working to ensure each coach is reaching recruiting goals to the best of their ability and helping develop strategies unique to each program.
Grahn achieves his first head coaching position at the collegiate level after an extensive coaching career, but the veteran coach has made several notable stops along the way. Before stepping on the campus in Irving, Grahn was an assistant coach at Concordia University (2007-10), who finished runner-up in the 2008 American Southwest Conference (ASC). Prior to that, Grahn was at another ASC school and now SCAC opponent Texas Lutheran University where he helped the Bulldogs lead the league in scoring defense in 2004 and 2005.
Grahn garnered experience at NCAA Division I McNeese State University (2005-06), where he was an assistant coach helped the Cowboys lead the Southland Conference and rank seventh nationally in steals-per-game. The program also achieved its highest GPA in six years.
He also was an assistant for Ray Giacoletti at Eastern Washington University (EWU) from 2000-02. From 1994-2000, Grahn served in numerous capacities at Washington State University (WSU), working for head coach Kevin Eastman.
Grahn did earn his first experience as head coach with the Moscow (Idaho) High School from 1999-2000.
Grahn was married in May 2007 to former Katheryne Hickman and the two have daughter, Harleigh, and sons Easton and Jameson.
"I am eternally grateful to my family for their support of my coaching career," Grahn credited. "I couldn't do what I do without them. Also my extended family of former players and managers. They are so important and special to me and to our program. I am thankful to be able to continue coaching our current players and really looking forward to getting to work with them this fall. It is truly a joy to come to work with the young men on our team."
WHAT ELSE THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT COACH GRAHN
"Matt fits the University of Dallas so well; from the first class way he does things to the genuine care and concern he has for his players to the values he lives by. He is more than prepared to lead the program to continued success and will bring a high level of basketball knowledge combined with a passion for the game and a positive energy on a daily basis. The University of Dallas basketball program is in very good hands." – Kevin Eastman, Retired 2008 NBA World Champion Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers Assistant Coach
"Congratulations to the University of Dallas on the hiring of Matt Grahn. I've known Matt for 20 years. Simply stated, he's a winner. Matt recruits and coaches through relationships. He has a passion and positive energy for his players. Matt has worked hard and is very deserving of this opportunity." – Chris Beard, University of Texas Head Basketball Coach
"I've known Matt for over 25 years now. I've seen Matt's grind to climb his way through our profession and to achieve his goals and dreams. He has done so with incredible work ethic, and some of the most meaningful character traits: honesty and perseverance. I've always been impressed with his energy level and the positivity he always exudes. He just seems to only be able to find the best things in any circumstance. I look forward, with great enthusiasm, to seeing the significant impact he will have both within and around the University of Dallas community." – Chad Forcier, Milwaukee Bucks Assistant Coach
"Coach G is the epitome of hard work and dedication. He's been a vital part of the program and has seen what it takes to get to the top. He's been all in on UD and it's a great opportunity for him and the program moving forward!" – Kym Malone, UD Basketball Alum '15
