Graceland University Names Drew Sams Head Men’s Wrestling Coach

LAMONI, Iowa — Graceland University has announced the hiring of former Yellowjacket standout and assistant coach Drew Sams as the new Head Men's Wrestling Coach.

Sams returns to Graceland after serving as the head men's wrestling coach at William Penn University, where he coached five NAIA national qualifiers and three NAIA Scholar-Athletes during his three seasons leading the program.

Graceland Director of Athletics Brady McKillip said Sams' experience, leadership, and connection to the university made him the ideal choice to lead the Yellowjackets program.

"Drew represents the very best of Graceland Wrestling and Graceland University," McKillip said. "His journey from student-athlete to assistant coach to head coach is a testament to his work ethic, leadership, and commitment to building meaningful relationships with student-athletes. We are excited to welcome Drew and his family back home to Lamoni and look forward to the future of our wrestling program under his leadership."

A native of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Sams previously served as head assistant coach at Graceland from 2021-24, helping guide the Yellowjackets to sustained national success. During his tenure, he coached 10 NAIA national qualifiers and three All-Americans. In 2024, Graceland finished runner-up at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships, with all 12 wrestlers placing in the top six of their respective weight classes.

The Yellowjackets also excelled academically during Sams' previous stint in Lamoni, placing third nationally in the NWCA Scholar All-American team standings while producing 14 NAIA Scholar-Athletes and 16 NWCA Scholar All-Americans. The program also earned the 2023-24 Heart Musco Sportsmanship Award.

As a student-athlete at Graceland, Sams was a four-time NAIA national qualifier, a 2021 All-American, and a three-time team captain. He graduated in 2021 with a degree in Allied Health before earning his Master's degree in Nutrition and Human Performance from Graceland in 2023.

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to Graceland University and lead the Men's Wrestling Program," Sams said. "This program was my first college wrestling family as I had the privilege of being part of its growth and rise to national success both as a student-athlete and assistant coach.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to give back to a place that helped shape me and to work toward building this program back into a national contender. There's something special about Graceland, the people, and the culture that makes it feel like home."

Sams and his wife, Rachel, have a son, Meyer.