Creston, IA—Greg Criswell of Lamoni is bringing his more than 10 years of girls’ basketball coaching experience and near 40 years of high school coaching experience to the collegiate level as he recently accepted the head coaching position for women’s basketball at Southwestern Community College (SWCC).

Criswell, who recently wrapped up a year of coaching women’s competitive flag football at Graceland University in Lamoni, was the head girls’ basketball coach at Urbandale High School during the 2022-23 season. In addition, he has coached high school basketball at Waukon, Winterset, Van Meter, Montezuma, and Seymour; as well as club basketball for Kingdom Hoops, the All-Iowa Attack, and the Iowa Dragons.

“Greg has a wealth of experience in athletics and education,” said Paul Purvis, Southwestern athletic director. “We can’t wait to have his expertise on campus to guide the women’s basketball program. He will be an excellent addition to the athletics department.”

Criswell said he was thrilled to be named head coach of the Spartan women’s basketball program.

“I am very grateful to the SWCC administration for giving me this great opportunity to lead the women’s basketball program and to be a part of the SWCC family,” stated Criswell.

Criswell is already setting expectations for his student-athletes.

“Our team will work hard, play smart, and finish with PASSION,” said Criswell. “Our players will be expected to be positive, great teammates and strive to be outstanding role models. Our program expectations are to establish and maintain a culture of doing things the right way, eventually leading to overall program credibility and success. We understand and embrace the challenges that lie ahead, but we are confident that we can accomplish great things for years to come.”

In addition to coaching, Criswell is an educator, most recently a professor at Graceland University teaching elementary physical education, as well as health and personal wellness methods courses. Prior to Graceland, he was a K-8 health and physical education teacher at Waukon Community School District. He was the Winterset High School principal from 1997-2010.

Criswell will begin recruiting for the women’s basketball program immediately. He will be Southwestern’s director of residential life as well.