FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- The University of Olivet head coach Sam Hargraves has been named the 2026 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year after leading the Comets to a historic regular-season championship.
In his seventh season at the helm, Hargraves guided Olivet to its first outright MIAA regular-season title since 1972 with a 12-2 conference record and a 15-11 overall mark. The 12 league victories tied a program record originally set by the undefeated 1971-72 squad that went 12-0 in conference play, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Under the leadership of Hargraves, Olivet’s championship run was fueled by standout performances across the roster. Junior guard Nathan Richardson was named the 2026 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-MIAA honors, becoming the first Comet to receive the defensive award since its implementation in 2015 and a two-time All-MIAA selection. Junior center Conner Schipper added to his decorated career by becoming a three-time All-MIAA honoree with a place on the 2026 First Team, while sophomore forward Porter Kretschman earned Second Team All-MIAA recognition.
Hargraves’ ties to the MIAA run deep. A Calvin College alum and former basketball player for the Knights, he also spent eight seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at Alma College before taking over the Olivet program. His familiarity with the conference and commitment to building a competitive culture have helped elevate the Comets to championship contention.
Reflecting on the honor, Hargraves credited his players, staff, and family for the program’s success:
"I’m very flattered and honored to receive this award. 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 the 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."
Hargraves’ recognition highlights a milestone season for Olivet basketball and signals a promising future as the Comets continue to build on their championship foundation.