--- title: Brian Van Haaften named GPAC Coach of the Year date: 2025-03-07T10:41:00-06:00 author: Sarah Moss canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/brian-van-haaften-named-gpac-coach-of-the-year" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Athletics](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=athletics) Mar 7, 2025 # Brian Van Haaften named GPAC Coach of the Year Dordt University men's basketball head coach Brian Van Haaften has been named GPAC Coach of the Year after leading the team to a historic season, including a 19-11 record and third consecutive NAIA National Championship appearance ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/662A8602-edit.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=8e67b186&v=0cf4e5b9a5bd4f419c34b00677ce36af7a95566c6bcc001228bab6ae6f227388) ![]() ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/DSC3129.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=57&h=65&c=cf2c55dd&v=86a22981b03cb6296855229172fee9708135158e80b192cb149e2f8ddaa815b0) Dordt University men's basketball head coach Brian Van Haaften has been named the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Coach of the Year, recognizing his leadership in guiding the Defenders to a remarkable season and a regular-season conference championship. Van Haaften, now in his seventh season at Dordt, led the Defenders to a 19-11 overall record and a 12-8 mark in the GPAC during the 2023-24 season. The team qualified for its third consecutive NAIA National Championship, reflecting the program's consistent excellence under his guidance. Since joining Dordt in March 2018, Van Haaften has amassed a 124-59 record, achieving a .678 winning percentage, the highest in the program's history. ### A Legacy of Coaching Excellence Before his time at Dordt, Van Haaften served as the head coach at Buena Vista University for 22 years, where he compiled a 414-188 record. His teams made nine NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances and secured 11 Iowa Conference championships. He was recognized as Iowa Conference Coach of the Year seven times and Regional Coach of the Year three times. Van Haaften's coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and Christ-centered leadership, shaping not only skilled basketball players but also well-rounded individuals. This is exemplified through the[ Defender Way](https://www.dordt.edu/athletics). As the Defenders [prepare for the NAIA National Championship tournament,](https://www.naia.org/sports/mbkb/2024-25/releases/2025_FirstSecondRoundSchedule) Van Haaften and his team continue to exemplify the commitment to excellence that has defined his coaching career. For more updates on Dordt basketball, visit [godordt.com](https://godordt.com/). --- **About Dordt University** As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/GamingGuild1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=d1ebd37a&v=1afd1080644cfd20314f02c7b6f35f1d0161e127311a10d8e9c441334bb3f642) Academics Mar 11, 2025 ## Dordt University launches new course on gaming and Christian faith Dordt University Director of Gaming Dr. Brad Hickey has developed a new gaming and Christian faith course, which will be offered this fall. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-launches-new-course-on-gaming-and-christian-faith) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-10-14_003572-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=f9816955&v=db49e811ec1b4eca236f0a86804964ad902815f2fdbc9e42093ec6462046b58d) Academics Mar 07, 2025 ## Kinesiology: Dordt updates HHP program name Dordt University has renamed its Health and Human Performance program to Kinesiology, a more widely recognized and accurate term that better reflects the program’s focus, career outcomes, and alignment with industry standards. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/kinesiology-dordt-updates-hhp-program-name) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Aug 19 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-19) Aug 20 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-20) Aug 20 Athletics Men's Soccer #### [8/20 8:00 PM Dordt University Men's Soccer at Carroll - Nelson Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-22-100-pm-dordt-university-mens-soccer-at-carroll) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>