WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Jim Kessler, retired longtime head coach of Grace's men's basketball team, received a distinguished national award this week.
Kessler has been named the recipient of the 2026 Jim Haney Master Coach Award by Nations of Coaches. This award will be presented to Coach Kessler at halftime of Grace's home basketball game on Nov. 21.
The Jim Haney Master Coach Award honors a coach who exemplifies the principles of the "Master Coach," Jesus Christ, both on and off the court, demonstrating leadership in his personal life, family and community. A Master Coach embodies the wisdom of 2 Timothy 2:2 in his daily actions.
"Coach Jim Kessler represents everything that a Christian coach should model as a witness of Jesus Christ. Jim has impacted the lives of hundreds of players over his career at Grace College. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the great honor. Congratulations my friend, well deserved honor," said Mike Lightfoot, Regional Director for Nations of Coaches.
Coach Kessler spent more than four decades leading the Grace College men's basketball program, making a lasting impact both on the court and in the lives of the players and people he served.
During his tenure, Kessler led Grace to the 1992 NAIA Division II national championship and was recognized with numerous coaching honors, including NAIA and NCCAA Coach of the Year honors. He has been inducted into several Hall of Fames, including NAIA, NCCAA, Grace Athletics and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
Beyond his accomplishments as a coach, Kessler has consistently used his platform to invest in the spiritual and personal development of his players. His commitment to discipleship, service and missions has extended well beyond the basketball court, including numerous international mission trips and opportunities to serve communities around the world.
Nations of Coaches is proud to recognize Coach Kessler's longstanding commitment to faith, leadership, mentorship and service with the 2026 Jim Haney Master Coach Award.
The first Master Coach Award, presented by Nations of Coaches, was received by Phil Worrell in 2014. Recipients of the award since then have been Gary Waters (2015), Dale Clayton (2016), Mike Lightfoot (2017), Ron Bradley (2018), Rick Barnes (2019), Glen Korobov (2020), Homer Drew (2021), Ritchie McKay (2022), Barclay Radebaugh (2023), Tony Bennett (2024) and Jerome Tang (2025).
