Gustavus Adolphus College

Justin DeGrood '07 is entering his fifth season as the head coach of the Gustavus men's basketball program in 2026-27 after leading the team to the Sweet Sixteen in 2025-26 and settting multiple school records. DeGrood was named the 24th head coach in program history on March 10, 2022, taking over for Mark Hanson '83 after a 32-year career leading the program. 

DeGrood has transformed the program into a national powerhouse in his four prior years at the helm, inheriting a team that started 9-16 in his first year and has since lost 19 total games in the following three years. After the 2025 season, DeGrood was named both the MIAC and NABC Regional Coach of the Year.

In 2025-26, Gustavus went 27-3, which was the best winning percentage and most wins in a season in program history. The Gusties advanced to the Sweet Sixteen where they fell to UChicago, 93-92. Gustavus won both the MIAC Regular Season and Playoff Championships for the first time since 2005. Myles Barnette was named an All-American by the NABC and D3hoops.com in addition to four other Gusties receiving MIAC recognition alongside Barnette.

DeGrood previously served as the lead assistant under Mark Hanson for nine seasons. DeGrood got his first head coaching victory on Nov. 11, 2022, defeating Saint Mary's 74-71. During the summer months, DeGrood and head women's basketball coach Laurie Kelly run the Gustie Basketball and Leadership Camp. 

Prior to returning to Gustavus in 2013, DeGrood served as an assistant coach at Bethel University for three seasons. While at Bethel, he assisted in defensive game and practice planning while specializing in guard play. He also served as the team’s recruiting and film coordinator, summer camp and tournaments co-coordinator, and was the team’s academic supervisor. 

Justin resides in Saint Peter with his wife and head gymnastics coach Aryn '09, and together have two daughters, Zoey and Harper, as well as a dog, Riggs.