Bio

Matt Colston returns to Graceland University as an assistant men's basketball coach, bringing more than 25 years of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels. Colston previously served on the Yellowjackets' coaching staff from 2022-24 under head coaches Jeff Langley and Todd Lorensen, helping lay the foundation for the program's recent success before spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Southwestern Iowa Community College.

A veteran coach with a proven record of program development, Colston has held head coaching positions at Bushnell-Prairie City High School (Ill.), Hoopeston Area High School (Ill.), Shelbyville High School (Ill.), and South Dearborn High School (Ind.). His coaching career also includes assistant coaching roles at the University of Dubuque, Dubuque Senior High School, and Williamsville High School (Ill.).

Throughout his career, Colston has earned a reputation for rebuilding programs and creating winning cultures. At Hoopeston Area, he inherited a program coming off a five-win season and helped transform it into one of the state's most respected teams. During his tenure, the program captured its first conference championship in 25 years and first county championship in two decades, while earning multiple state rankings and tournament titles. Colston also served as the school's athletic director during that period.

Prior to his success at Hoopeston Area, Colston guided Bushnell-Prairie City from a three-win season to state-ranked status within three years. At South Dearborn, he became the first coach in more than 30 years to lead the program to consecutive winning seasons, while his teams captured back-to-back Rivertown Tournament championships and a Morristown Holiday Tournament title.

Colston's accomplishments have been recognized throughout the region. He served as head coach of the Illinois-Indiana All-Star Game (2017), the Prairieland All-Star Game (2011), and the Spoon River Kiwanis All-Star Game (2012). He was also named Coach of the Year by the McDonough Voice in 2010 and the Galesburg Register-Mail in 2011.

Now returning to Graceland, Colston adds extensive coaching experience, program familiarity, and a passion for player development to the Yellowjackets' staff. His leadership, basketball knowledge, and history of building successful programs will play an important role as Graceland continues to compete for championships in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

"Coach Colston brings a tremendous amount of experience, passion, and familiarity with Graceland Men's Basketball," Head Coach Matt Dickman said. "He was an integral part of building the systems and culture that have helped drive our success, and we're excited to welcome him back to our program.

"Adding someone with more than 25 years of coaching experience and a deep understanding of our program is incredibly valuable as we continue building a tradition of success at Graceland."