MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College head men's basketball coach Jon VanderWal stepped down on Wednesday to accept the head coaching position at Trine University in Angola, Indiana. VanderWal replaces Brooks Miller, who was recently named the associate head coach at NCAA Division I Central Michigan University.
 
"Jon lives and coaches with strong values that he hands down to his players," Marietta Director of Athletics Larry Hiser said. "Trine is getting a visionary leader that we will truly miss, and we wish him nothing but the best."
 
Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and won the 2023-24 NCAA Division III National Championship. VanderWal will begin his role at Trine effective immediately.
 
"It's been an extremely difficult decision to leave Marietta. I love this community very much and I have truly cherished the past 18 years. I want to thank my family, all the players who poured their heart and soul into this program, my amazing assistant coaches, everyone on campus, all the alumni, my friends, and all those in this community who have supported me along the way," VanderWal said. "Marietta is truly a unique place with special people. I will cherish all the amazing memories and relationships. Thank you PioNation for all the support!  I will always love you."
 
At Marietta, VanderWal took over a program that averaged four wins in the three seasons prior to his arrival. In 18 seasons at the helm, he compiled a record of 341-150 (.695 winning percentage), becoming the winningest coach in program history.  Marietta averaged almost 25 victories a season if you remove the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season.
 
VanderWal earned Ohio Athletic Conference Coach of the Year four times, NCAA Regional Coach of the Year four times, and was the 2015 NCAA Division III Glen Robinson National Coach of the Year.
 
Under VanderWal's leadership Marietta won eight OAC Regular season titles and five OAC Tournament championships. The Pioneers made nine NCAA Tournament appearances advancing to one Final Four, two Elite Eights, and made the Sweet Sixteen five times.
 
"Jon had a vision, and he had the fortitude and ingenuity to carry it out. He is very good at so many things," Hiser said. "Many communities throughout the region and the country are positively impacted by players that Jon coached. There is no better legacy than that."
 
Marietta College is committed to the continued excellence of the program and a search to fill the head coaching position will begin immediately.
 
Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.