Coach Jacob Van Dam enters his second season as the Head Assistant Coach for the Crown College men’s basketball program.
A former dual-sport student-athlete at Crown, Van Dam competed in both basketball and baseball during his time at the college. On the basketball court, he served as a three-year team captain and earned All-Conference recognition during the 2021–22 season.
Van Dam finished his playing career with 1,025 points, 359 rebounds, and 175 assists. He also shares the program record for most three-pointers made in a single game with eight and graduated ranked in the top five in program history in three-pointers made, games played, games started, and minutes played.
In his first season as a coach, Van Dam helped guide the Polars to a 17–14 record, a third-place finish in the UMAC, and an NCCAA Division II National Tournament Runner-Up finish. The team’s 17 wins tied for the second-most wins in a single season in program history. That season, the Polars also produced one of the most productive offensive campaigns in program history, ranking fifth in single-season points, second in rebounds, and third in assists.
Van Dam brings strong leadership, high-level playing experience, and a deep understanding of Crown basketball’s culture to the staff, contributing to player development, recruiting, practice preparation, and program operations. He is involved in player development, recruiting, practice preparation, and program operations. In addition to coaching, Van Dam serves as Crown’s Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Operations.
Coaching Mission
- To build a Christ-centered program that meets student-athletes where they are and helps them grow academically, athletically, and spiritually. Our culture is rooted in surrender, gratitude, identity, and servant hood, with the belief that success is measured by how many people can be served.
Education
- Master's in Sports Coaching and Administration
- Bachelor's in Sport Management - Minors in Coaching, Business Administration, and Christian Studies
Experience
- 5 years playing collegiate basketball
- 2 year coaching basketball
