East Lansing, Michigan — In a watershed moment for college basketball, the Michigan State Spartans Men’s Basketball coaching staff, led by legendary Head Coach Tom Izzo, has been named the ATEC/NFCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year, becoming the first basketball program in NCAA history to receive this honor.
The ATEC/NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) award, which was formerly designated for premier softball programs, took an unprecedented turn this year, honoring achievement across the collegiate coaching scene. And at the center of that transformation stood Michigan State, a beacon of constancy, leadership, and culture-building for decades.
A Recognition Beyond the Court East Lansing, Michigan — In a watershed moment for college basketball, the Michigan State Spartans Men’s Basketball coaching staff, led by legendary Head Coach Tom Izzo, has been named the ATEC/NFCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year, becoming the first basketball program in NCAA history to receive this honor.
While the Spartans have been a longtime college basketball juggernaut, this award recognizes much more than just victories and tournament campaigns. It speaks to a coaching staff that has created a comprehensive program that values mentorship, academic achievement, community involvement, and a dedication to growing young men into future leaders.
“This award isn’t just about basketball,” Coach Tom Izzo stated during the campus celebration press conference. “It’s about the values we instill, the lives we help shape, and the standards we set for ourselves every day.” To be recognized in this manner, especially outside of our sport, means everything to me and our crew.”
Assistant coaches Doug Wojcik, Mark Montgomery, Thomas Kelley, and the rest of the support staff were all honored. Year after year, they’ve worked together to create one of college athletics’ most renowned and enduring cultures.
A Season of Impact.
This past season was another successful year for the Spartans. Despite a difficult Big Ten schedule, the squad maintained an outstanding academic GPA, established new community engagement activities, and sponsored mental health and wellness lectures for student-athletes throughout the athletic department.
“They’ve built a culture that develops the whole person,” remarked Warde Manuel, Athletic Director at Michigan State. “And that’s what distinguished them. It is not simply about hanging banners. It is about raising people up.”
Breaking Tradition and Setting a New Standard
The NFCA announced the accolade, citing Michigan State’s coaching staff for “exemplary leadership, cross-sport mentorship, and a lasting legacy of team cohesion and integrity.”
The award has ignited debate throughout the collegiate athletic world, with fans and commentators applauding the NFCA’s daring decision to recognize coaching talent wherever it appears.
“This sets a new tone for what it means to coach at the highest level,” said ESPN commentator Jay Bilas. “Michigan State is redefining success.”
The Spartan legacy marches on.
With this historic distinction, Michigan State has not only made history, but also elevated the standard for what it takes to lead a collegiate program.
“We’re grateful, humbled, and more motivated than ever,” Izzo stated. “This is for the Spartan Nation. Let’s continue making history together.”
As the Breslin Center continues to resonate with the spirit of Spartans past and present, the coaching staff adds another chapter to its famous story — one that crosses sports, transforms lives, and unites a community around a single, enduring truth: excellence knows no bounds.