Marietta College head coach Jon VanderWal, right, has a discussion with an official during a game against John Carroll last season at Ban Johnson Arena. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)

ANGOLA, Ind. — After an incredible 18-year run as the head coach of the Marietta College men’s basketball program, Jon VanderWal has accepted a new opportunity.

VanderWal, who took over the Pioneers in 2007, has accepted the head coaching position at Trine University in Angola, Ind.

“I want to start by thanking Coach (Matt) Land and Dr. (Earl) Brooks for making all of this happen,” VanderWal said. “I never thought I would leave Marietta for another Division III job, but I have been extremely impressed by Trine’s campus, facilities, academic offerings, and most importantly its people. It’s a huge change for my family, but we are truly excited to start a new era at Trine and to build on its recent successes.”

VanderWal compiled a 341-150 (.695) record at Marietta with nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four run in 2021-22.

“Coach VanderWal is the perfect choice to continue and build on the men’s basketball success we have had at Trine University,” said Land, assistant vice president for athletics. “Jon has shown that he knows how to develop a culture of success, and how to win at the highest level. He was the first person we spoke with and we are ecstatic that he has decided to help Trine University remain one of the nation’s elite NCAA Division III programs.”

Last year, the Pioneers finished 11-14 overall and 5-13 in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

“The memory of our men’s basketball national championship in 2024 is still fresh in our minds, and we are eager to return to the pinnacle of NCAA Division III play. Surrounded by players and assistants who already know what it takes to win, Coach VanderWal has the experience, the temperament and the ability to take us back,” said Brooks, Trine University president.

Arriving at Marietta in 2007, VanderWal inherited a team that had only reached the NCAA tournament once in the 103 seasons prior to his arrival.

Under his leadership, the Pioneers became a force in the OAC, winning or sharing the regular season championship eight times.

The team also excelled in NCAA Division III tournament play. In addition to the Final Four run, the team advanced to the Elite Eight in 2015 and 2019 and the Sweet 16 in 2011 and 2017.

The OAC honored VanderWal as its Coach of the Year four times. He also received NCAA Division III Region Coach of the Year honors in four seasons and was NCAA Division III Glenn Robinson National Coach of the Year in 2015.

Pioneer athletes have experienced similar success under his leadership, with Marietta student-athletes earning 51 All-OAC, 16 All-Great Lakes Region and five All-American honors. Four Marietta players were selected as OAC Player of the Year during VanderWal’s time there.

A Cadillac, Mich., native, VanderWal was a standout at the Albion (Michigan) College, where he earned a history degree in 2001. Before his run at Marietta, he served as an assistant at Ohio Wesleyan University, with duties including head junior varsity coach, recruiting coordinator, strength and conditioning coach and academic coordinator.

He and his wife Tera have a daughter, Kendall, and son, Trey.