Emmaus Men’s Basketball: Thank you, Coach Graw
DUBUQUE, Ia. -- Coming off of a successful second season at the helm of the Emmaus Eagles men's basketball program, Kyle Graw, has announced his decision to resign his duties as head men's basketball coach.
Coach Graw steps away from the Emmaus sidelines amicably, and having elevated the men's basketball program to new heights on the court, while nurturing it with steadiness off the court. Coach Graw led the 2021-22 squad with energy and purpose to the program's first-ever NCCAA Regional Championship and National Tournament appearance. The team rode a 5 game win streak to the national tournament, and finished the year ranked inside the Top 10.
"I am grateful and appreciative for all that Coach Graw has invested into the basketball programs at Emmaus and into our current group of young men," shared Emmaus athletic director Chris McHugh.
"Kyle loves the Lord, loves his family, loves Emmaus, and loves the young people that he coaches. All coaches have go-to phrases and one of Coach Graw's is 'That's Big Time!' Over the past two years, Kyle's helped our men's players strive for and achieve 'Big Time' goals on and off the court."
Graw, who has a long relationship with Emmaus as a student-athlete, alumnus, and head coach for both the men's and women's basketball programs, leaves the program in a strong position and poised for another competitive season.
"With all honesty and sincerity, I truly did foresee myself coaching at Emmaus the next 30+ years. But God had other plans," shared Coach Graw.
"In saying that, we intentionally created a program that was not dependent on one person running the show. This program is fueled by a biblical purpose bigger than itself. Our guys play for the purpose of glorifying Christ and advancing the kingdom through our unity, by the power of the Gospel, so that the world may see his glory.
"I can't thank Emmaus enough for the opportunity that they gave me to lead these young men spiritually for the purpose of glorifying Christ by advancing his kingdom through the Gospel. And I am excited for this next season of life."
Graw also served as the head coach for Emmaus's women's basketball program from 2013-19, leading that program to a regional championship and NCCAA National Tournament appearance in 2018. Additionally, his women's teams posted 3 conference regular season and tournament championships within the MCCC.
Graw will continue to reside in Dubuque with his family and work at the Dubuque Dream Center.
Emmaus is a fully-accredited four-year college offering more than 30 professional and ministry-related academic programs. Emmaus athletic teams compete in the NCCAA Division II and the Midwest Christian College Conference.
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