Several new additions to Drake’s athletics coaching staff will bring experience and enthusiasm to their sports
Stan Johnson recently joined Drake University’s athletics staff as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball program.
“I am excited to welcome Stan to the Drake family,” says Mark Phelps, head coach of the team. “He is a man of character and integrity with outstanding experience as a high-level recruiter and on-floor coach, and he shares our philosophy that making the players the most important part of our program is the primary goal.”
Johnson, who previously served as an assistant coach at the University of Utah, brings eight years of experience to his new position with the Bulldogs.
“I was really impressed with the vision of Athletics Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb and the direction of Coach Phelps with his program,” Johnson says. “The eagerness of the staff at Drake and the character and talent of the guys within the program is amazing to me. Drake is a big-time place, and I’m excited about the big-time things we can accomplish with Drake basketball.”
Johnson, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University, has also served on the coaching staffs at California State University in Northridge, Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., and at Bemidji State University in Minnesota.
Drake women’s basketball team welcomes two new staff members
Kirk Crawford, a veteran trainer with more than 30 years of coaching experience, will join the Drake women’s basketball team as an assistant coach. His main duties will include player development, recruiting and opponent scouting.
“We’re excited to have Coach Crawford join our staff,” says Amy Stephens, head coach. “He brings a wealth of experience from institutions of similar stature.”
Crawford previously held coaching positions at Providence College and the University of Southern Mississippi. He has also served on the staff for the Air Force basketball program and as a volunteer assistant for the WNBA’s Portland Fire.
The Drake women’s basketball team has also added Gerrett Spears to its staff, naming him coordinator of basketball operations in June.
Spears previously worked at Wichita State where he was responsible for all video production and assisted with the team’s day-to-day office operations. He earned a master’s degree from Wichita State in May.
“Coach Spears brings familiarity of the Missouri Valley Conference and will expand what our staff is capable of from a technology standpoint,” Stephens says. “He will be an asset to our staff right away.”
Volunteer assistant coach added to men’s soccer team staff
Sean Holmes, head men’s soccer coach, announced the addition of Kyle Smith to the program’s staff earlier this summer. Smith will serve as a volunteer assistant coach.
“I think that Kyle will bring a great amount of youth, energy and enthusiasm to the program,” Holmes says. “He has a strong background as a player and as a young coach.”
Smith comes to Drake after serving as an assistant coach with the women’s soccer team at Hastings College in Nebraska.