Wesley arrived at Grand Valley in 2004 after serving as an assistant
coach at Iowa State, Lamar and Missouri State.
Over 18 seasons, Wesley led the Lakers to a 356-170 record, good for
a .676 winning percentage. The Lakers were 233-127 In Great Lakes
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.
Wesley’s 356 wins ranks him second in Laker history behind Tom
Villemure’s 418 wins.
“Coach Wesley brought a strong sense of both competitiveness and care
to work every day,” said Director of Athletics Keri Becker. “Under his
leadership, I watched him share a deep love for his players beyond the
game of basketball. He was a great teacher of the game, committed to
making them better at the skills of basketball, while also ensuring
they had a great student athlete experience and ultimately graduated.
He built a culture around relationships and family and created
connections with his student athletes that will last a lifetime.”
Grand Valley won three GLIAC regular season championships and three
GLIAC tournament championships under Wesley. The Lakers were 17-12
this season and lost in the GLIAC quarterfinals last week to close
their season.
Grand Valley made six appearances in the NCAA Division II tournament,
reaching the Elite Eight in 2007 and 2008. The 2007-08 Lakers posted
the best record in program history, going 36-1, and earning Wesley
GLIAC Coach of the Year honors.
From the 2005-06 season to the 2009-10 season, the Lakers won 135
games — the best five-year period in program history.
“It is difficult to express the love, respect and gratitude I feel
toward the many players, student assistants and coaches who have been
on this journey with me,” said Wesley. “The many young men who have
come through our program have represented our university in a
first-class manner. Their efforts while here and the contributions
they are now making as husbands, fathers and leaders in their
communities gives me a great sense of pride.”
