In a significant move for the Messiah University athletics program, Jacob Fleegle has been appointed as the head coach of the men’s basketball team. This announcement comes after Fleegle spent four successful seasons at Emory University, where he contributed significantly to their achievements in collegiate basketball. Known for his dedication both on and off the court, Fleegle brings extensive coaching experience and a strong commitment to nurturing student-athletes holistically. His new role marks an exciting chapter for the university, promising not only athletic excellence but also personal development through faith-based mentorship.
On June 1, Jacob Fleegle officially stepped into his position as the head coach of the Messiah University men’s basketball team. Prior to this appointment, Fleegle served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Emory University for four years. During his tenure there, he played a crucial role in advancing the team's performance, including leading them to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament last season. Under his guidance, Emory secured a commendable fifth place in the final d3hoops.com rankings. Additionally, Fleegle was instrumental in achieving a robust overall record of 72-30 with multiple appearances in national tournaments.
Fleegle’s accomplishments extend beyond game statistics; he has mentored numerous players who earned prestigious accolades such as All-American honors, Player of the Year awards, and regional recognitions. Before joining Emory, Fleegle worked at Juniata College as both an associate head coach and assistant coach over three years, contributing to the Eagles’ resurgence in conference competition. At Carnegie Mellon, he further honed his skills during a one-year stint as an assistant coach.
As a player himself, Fleegle showcased remarkable talent at Waynesburg University, starting in over 100 games and scoring more than 1,000 career points. He also demonstrated leadership qualities by captaining the team for three consecutive seasons while maintaining academic excellence, earning recognition from CoSIDA and consistently making the Dean’s List.
Executive Director of Athletics Sarah Gustin-Hamrock expressed enthusiasm about Fleegle’s selection, highlighting his blend of basketball expertise and character. She emphasized that his values align perfectly with those of Messiah University, ensuring a positive impact on the student-athletes' growth across all aspects of life.
Jacob Fleegle conveyed his excitement about joining the Messiah family alongside his wife Megan and daughter Lucy. He stressed the importance of fostering spiritual, academic, and athletic development within the team, expressing gratitude for the opportunities ahead. With his proven track record and passion for coaching, Fleegle is poised to lead Messiah University's basketball program toward greater heights.
The arrival of Jacob Fleegle signifies a transformative period for Messiah University’s men’s basketball team. By emphasizing holistic development and leveraging his wealth of experience, Fleegle aims to cultivate a competitive yet supportive environment for the athletes. As the university embarks on this new journey under his leadership, expectations are high for sustained success both in competitions and in nurturing well-rounded individuals.