HEAD COACH THAD MOTT

On April 5, 2002, Thad Mott became the fourth men’s basketball coach in the history of Grace University. This historic event coincided with another milestone: the groundbreaking of the Health and Fitness Center scheduled for completion in August 2003.

Coach Mott came to Grace in June 2000, when he began serving as an assistant coach and the Dean of Men, a role he continues to fulfill today. During his two years as assistant coach, Mott worked with the individual skill development of the players, defensive strategies for the team, and recruitment. Implementing a weight training program and strength conditioning during the off-season, the former assistant coach is excited about the road that lays before him. Coach Mott’s enthusiasm and love for the game is evident in the high level of intensity and passion he brings to each practice and game. 

Coach Mott came to Grace University from Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where he served for five years as the Plattsmouth High School girls coach and taught chemistry and physics.  After four years of building a winning program, Mott took the Blue Devils to the Nebraska State Basketball Tournament. It was the realization of a goal he shared with the team during their very first practice.

Prior to his time at Plattsmouth, Coach Mott was an assistant for three years at Ralston High School in the Omaha-Metro area, which gave him numerous opportunities including a trip to the Boy’s State Basketball Tournament. 

Coach Mott’s lifelong involvement with basketball began as the dream of a young boy
to follow in his brother’s footsteps and play college ball.  “My brother has impacted me in many ways as my role model.”  Mott said. “He had me dribbling a ball on the driveway when I was three years old.” 

Throughout junior high and high school, Mott’s brother was his coach who played college basketball in Illinois at the NCAA Division III level. “I dreamed of receiving a scholarship to play college basketball.” Mott said. “He helped me to achieve that dream.”

During his high school career in Illinois, Coach Mott was a standout shooting guard for the Pekin Dragons. A full-ride scholarship from the University of Nebraska – Omaha brought him to Omaha, where he went on to play as a four-year starter for the Mavericks at point guard. While at UNO, he graduated as fifth all-time on the Maverick assist chart.

As a junior at UNO, Coach Mott came to know the Lord through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering followed by an additional degree in Secondary Education.

In 1991, Coach Mott was introduced to Grace University through his interaction with several Grace Basketball players at various UNO and FCA events. The continuation of these friendships he developed during this time was the eventual catalyst for him to consider ministry at Grace University. About the impact of Grace Basketball in his life Coach Mott says, “The friendships I formed with Grace Basketball players back then are still some of my closest ones today. God used Grace Royals basketball to impact my life long before I ever came here. That impact is the type of impact I hope to be involved in through the lives of the players who come to play at Grace University.”