Hargraves named 2026 MIAA Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The University of Olivet head coach Sam Hargraves has been selected the 2026 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Men's Basketball Coach of the Year. This award is voted on by the eight MIAA men's basketball coaches.

Completing his seventh season at Olivet, Hargraves guided the Comets to the MIAA regular season title with a 12-2 record. Olivet began conference play with a win over Albion College and then lost by two points at home to Hope College. The Comets then won 10 straight games, including two wins over preseason MIAA favorite Calvin University. After a close four-point loss at Hope, Olivet captured the MIAA regular season championship with a win at Trine University (Ind.). The outright title is the first at Olivet since 1972 and only the seventh title in program history. In addition, the 12 conference wins tied the 1971-72 squad that went 12-0. The Comets hosted the MIAA Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2018.

Olivet's historic championship was accomplished in part due to their balanced scoring, as five players posted double figure scoring averages over the 14 league games. Junior Nathan Richardson, an All-MIAA First Team selection and the Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 14.9 points as well as had a 2.3 assist-to-turnover ratio and 33 total steals. Junior Conner Schipper, now a two-time All-MIAA First Team honoree, posted a 10.5 scoring average and blocked 25 shots in 11 games. Sophomore Porter Kretschman, an All-MIAA Second Team pick, led the league with a 10.0 rebounding average to go along with scoring 11.7 points per game. Freshman Sean Shenker recorded a 12.0 scoring average, while making 30 three-pointers. Sophomore Sam Howard provided a spark off the bench, averaging 12.2 points per game.

"I'm very flattered and honored to receive this award," said Hargraves. "I'm thinking after the MIAA Tournament maybe there should be a re-vote, but we're very thankful for all the positive accolades our program has received. I've always felt individual awards for the players; they really earn and deserve most of the credit for those.  

"Coach of the Year is always the ultimate team award. It really should be recruiter of the year because the players are the ones who earn this award. Without them it never happens. I'm so thankful that my staff, who deserve a ton of credit for this as well, and I have been able to attract the young men that we have in our program.

"There was some incredible coaching done in the MIAA this season which made it so competitive and exciting, we already cannot wait for the fall to get started again.

"Also, thanks to my wife who keeps everyone sane during the season. Nothing would function without her love and support."

WHAT OTHERS SAID

	Associate Head Coach Chad Loveless – "This is a well-deserved, well-earned award for Coach Hargraves. The passion he has for this program and every one of the players and staff, it shows daily.  Behind his leadership, we've been able to grow and have success on the court, but even more importantly in these past seven years, the growth in each of the young men who have come through our program is evident off the court as well. It is my pleasure to be able to coach beside him every day and wouldn't want to do it with anyone else."
	Junior Nathan Richardson – "Coach Hargraves earning MIAA Coach of the Year is truly well deserved. His commitment, preparation, and belief in our team pushed us to accomplish things that we as players possibly didn't even see. He likes to challenge us to compete at a high level every day with confidence, but he would also invest in us beyond the game. Coach's support for us made us better athletes and better people. I am proud to play for him and grateful for everything he has poured into me and this program. Congratulations Coach!!"
	Senior Conner Schipper – "Coach Hargraves getting Coach of the Year is no surprise. Over the past three seasons, he has been truly a blessing in my life. Hargraves has helped form me into who I am and who I am looking to become. Him getting our team to this point is proof of his ability to build a program the right way. We have been through so much together and seeing him get his recognition makes me glad we decided to go down this road together. Congrats on being Coach of the Year, you deserve it!"
	Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ryan Shockey – "It's so great to see Coach Hargraves honored by his MIAA peers. Sam has built something special within our men's basketball program and after seven seasons it is nice to see things come together. Olivet couldn't be prouder of Sam and our men's team. This recognition is a testament to his leadership, integrity, and relentless commitment to excellence. He and his team truly embody what it means to be an Olivetian – leading with humility, competing with heart and representing The University of Olivet with pride. Thank you, Coach Hargraves !"