Brissette named 2025 MIAA Wrestling Coach of the Year
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The University of Olivet head wrestling coach Brandon Brissette has been named the 2025 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Wrestling Coach of the Year. He led the Comets to a perfect 4-0 record in the MIAA dual matches to secure the MIAA Championship.
"This is not A Coach of the Year award," said Brissette. "To me it is the Staff of the Year award. I could not have the success that this team has had without coach Jones, coach Paquette, coach Neal, and coach Judge. As for how this team accomplished this feat, we talked to them about a loving and energetic culture, and they chose to embrace it. I am very proud to accept this award on behalf of these men and my staff."
Brissette is completing his 16th season at the helm of the Comets. Since the MIAA brought back wrestling in 2019, he has led Olivet to five MIAA titles in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2025. During that seven-year time span, Brissette has coached 18 wrestlers who have earned 31 All-MIAA citations. Four of those wrestlers were named the MIAA's Most Valuable Wrestler.
Since Brissette's first season at Olivet in 2009-10, at least one Olivet wrestler has qualified for the NCAA Division III National Championships in 13 of the possible 14 years. Four of the qualifiers earned NCAA All-American honors (top eight finish).
Brissette's teams have also done exceptionally well in the classroom, as 11 times the Comets were named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-America Team. Olivet was selected as the NWCA National Academic champion in 2013 and 2014. In addition, 46 student-athletes have received 86 NWCA Scholar All-American awards.
WHAT OTHERS SAID
Associate Head Coach Anthony Jones, Jr. – "Congratulations Coach Brissette. Winning your fifth MIAA championship and being named MIAA Coach of the Year is a testament to the person you are. This is a well-deserved award because you lead the team with a lot of passion and heart."
Assistant Coach Dennis Paquette – "Congratulations and well done to Coach Brissette! Winning the MIAA five times in seven years is a testament to his leadership, hard work and dedication. Coach Brissette was able to get our guys rowing in one direction. Winning the Coach of the Year award is a well-deserved recognition."
Assistant Coach Jim Neal – "The success that Olivet's wrestling program has had through recent years is largely due to Coach Brissette's unwavering positivity and sincere belief in his athletes. He does an amazing job of cultivating relationships with every athlete and helping them achieve their highest potential as an athlete as well as a person."
Senior Tyler Herrema – "Coach Brissette is one of the most genuine people I have met in my life. He doesn't play smoke and mirrors, what you see is what you get. He is a great leader and pours into his guys to believe and have confidence in the work we have put in. He makes everyone laugh because of who he is and is also there as a shoulder to cry on."
Senior Benyamin Kamali – "Last year when I got to Olivet, I was not even able to compete due to eligibility - but that did not change the way that Coach Brissette treated me. He always showed the same kindness, love, and compassion no matter what. When I found out I would be able to compete this year, I was beyond excited to be able to compete for someone so amazing as him - he saved me when I felt lost and broken. His heart is pure and full of love, he doesn't discount a person's value based off their performance. He helps every individual grow as a human being and that is one of the things I admire and respect the most. He truly deserves this award and recognition more than anybody! We love you Coach."
Senior Dylan Phelps – "Coach Brissette has been a major influence in not just my career as a wrestler, but also my life at Olivet. He has always helped me see what I can become as a wrestler, student, and man. Brissette instills confidence in his athletes and wrestlers. Congratulations, Coach Brissette!"