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» GRACE UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF TWO KEY ADMINISTRATORS TO INAUGURAL ATHLETICS STAFF.
4/12/26 │ATHLETICS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
POMONA, CA -- Deon Coleman and DJ Gunderson Strengthen Foundation of Talons Athletics Ahead of Fall 2026 Launch.
Grace University continues to build momentum toward its historic Fall 2026 athletics launch with the addition of two key administrators to its athletic department: Deon Coleman and DJ Gunderson.
Both hires bring extensive experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of operating and sustaining a successful intercollegiate athletics program—further solidifying the foundation of Grace University Athletics as it prepares to compete on the national stage.
DEON COLEMAN NAMED ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR & SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR
Grace University has appointed Deon Coleman as Assistant Athletic Director, where he will also serve as the university’s Sports Information Director (SID). In addition, Coleman will take on a critical on-court role as the Associate Head Coach for Men’s Basketball.
A highly respected figure in collegiate athletics across California, Coleman brings decades of experience in program building, recruiting, player development, and athletic operations. His dual role places him at the center of both the competitive and communication arms of Grace University Athletics.
As Sports Information Director, Coleman will oversee:
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Athletic communications and media relations
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Game operations and statistics
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Branding, storytelling, and digital presence
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External communications with conferences and national associations
His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the voice, visibility, and narrative of Grace University Athletics during its formative years.
On the court, Coleman’s presence as Associate Head Coach provides immediate credibility and experience to the Men’s Basketball program, reinforcing a staff built to compete from day one.
DJ GUNDERSON NAMED COMPLIANCE & ELIGIBILITY COORDINATOR / HEAD BASEBALL COACH
Grace University has also named DJ Gunderson as its Compliance and Eligibility Coordinator, while simultaneously leading the launch of the baseball program as Head Baseball Coach.
Gunderson brings a strong reputation for organizational structure, attention to detail, and integrity-driven leadership, making him a vital addition to the administrative backbone of the department.
In his compliance role, Gunderson will oversee:
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Student-athlete eligibility and certification
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Academic progress monitoring
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Institutional and conference compliance standards
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Recruiting and roster compliance procedures
His work ensures that Grace University Athletics is built on a foundation of accountability, structure, and long-term sustainability.
As Head Baseball Coach, Gunderson will lead the development of the program from the ground up—bringing energy, vision, and a competitive mindset to Grace’s expanding sports offerings.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION THE RIGHT WAY
The addition of Coleman and Gunderson represents a major step forward for Grace University as it continues assembling a high-level, experienced leadership team to guide its athletics department.
“These are not just hires—they are foundational pieces,” Grace University leadership stated. “Both Deon and DJ understand what it takes to build and sustain a collegiate athletics program the right way. Their experience, professionalism, and vision align perfectly with what we are creating at Grace.”
A DEPARTMENT BUILT FOR IMPACT
With the Fall 2026 launch approaching, Grace University Athletics is quickly establishing itself as one of the most ambitious and strategically built new programs in the country.
The addition of proven leaders like Coleman and Gunderson reinforces the university’s commitment to:
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Competitive excellence
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Operational integrity
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National visibility
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Student-athlete development
Together, this leadership group is laying the groundwork for a program designed to compete, grow, and make a lasting impact.
LOOKING AHEAD
As Grace University continues to build toward its inaugural season, additional announcements regarding staff, programs, and partnerships are expected in the coming months.
The message remains clear:
The Talons are not just launching—they’re being built to rise.
Media Contact:
Grace University Athletics
Email: CoachBean@GraceU.edu
University Website: GraceU.edu
Athletics Website: GraceUAthletics.com
» LES BEAN OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED AS DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS & HEAD MBB COACH AT GRACE UNIVERSITY (CALIFORNIA).
4/10/26 │ATHLETICS
BY: JOHN CHARITY, PRESIDENT
POMONA, CA -- Veteran Program Builder to Lead Launch of Grace U Athletics. Grace University (California) has officially announced the hiring of Les Bean as its Director of Athletics and Head Men’s Basketball Coach, marking a defining moment in the university’s expansion into intercollegiate athletics. In addition to his leadership of the men’s basketball program, Bean will also serve as the Interim Head Women’s Flag Football Coach during the inaugural build of the program for the 2026–27 academic year.
A STATEMENT HIRE THAT SHIFTS THE LANDSCAPE
With this historic move, Grace University has positioned itself as an immediate force in small school collegiate athletics, set to compete in the USCAA, then at the NCCAA Division I level next season, and within the SWS (Southwestern States Conference).
The announcement has already sent shockwaves throughout the small-college athletics community, as Bean departs Nobel University after orchestrating one of the most rapid and impactful program builds in recent memory.
THE ARCHITECT OF MODERN PROGRAM BUILDING
Over the past three years, Bean redefined what is possible in small-college athletics:
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Built a nationally recognized athletic department from the ground up
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Increased institutional enrollment by an unprecedented 10,000%
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Secured nearly 10 ESPN-featured broadcasts in just two seasons
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Competed against elite programs across NCAA Division I, Division II, NAIA, and NCCAA
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Established a national recruiting and branding footprint
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Launched more than five different intercollegiate sports teams (men & women)
His work is nationally recognized -- blending competition, media exposure, and enrollment growth into one unified model.
LEADING THE LAUNCH OF GRACE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Now at Grace, Bean takes on the challenge of building from day one—again. Under his leadership, Grace University Athletics will officially launch with, Men’s Basketball and Women’s Flag Football. Baseball, Soccer and Women's Beach Volleyball will round up the initial sports teams.
A BUILDER WITH 20+ YEARS OF IMPACT
With more than two decades of experience, Bean is widely regarded as one of the premier program architects in the country.
His leadership is defined by:
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Relentless recruiting innovation
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Elite-level scheduling and exposure
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Culture-driven team building
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Visionary branding and storytelling
Grace University didn’t just hire a coach or administrator—they secured a program creator.
POSITIONED FOR NATIONAL RELEVANCE
By placing Bean at the helm of both athletics and its flagship sport, Grace University is signaling a clear vision:
Compete nationally. Build relentlessly. Grow without limits.
This move aligns athletics with the university’s broader mission of Christ-centered growth, exposure, and opportunity—creating a platform for student-athletes to compete on a national stage while pursuing life-changing academic pathways.
STATEMENT
“Grace called—and this time, it wasn’t just about building a program. It was about building a movement. From day one, this will be about competing at the highest level, creating opportunity, and establishing a standard that hasn’t been seen before.”
LOOKING AHEAD
With the foundation now set, Grace University Athletics will begin its rise with:
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Official team launches in 2026–27
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National recruiting campaigns across the U.S. and internationally
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Strategic scheduling against top competition
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Continued announcements regarding staff, facilities, and partnerships
ABOUT GRACE UNIVERSITY (CALIFORNIA)
Grace University is an emerging institution committed to developing leaders through academic excellence, faith-based values, and competitive athletics. Located in Southern California, Grace is rapidly building a reputation as a destination for student-athletes seeking opportunity, exposure, Christ-centered culture and purpose-driven competition.
Media Contact:
Grace University Athletics
Email: CoachBean@GraceU.edu
University Website: GraceU.edu
Athletics Website: GraceUAthletics.com
» GRACE UNIVERSITY OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS FOR FALL 2026.
4/1/26 │ATHLETICS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
POMONA, CA -- The Talons Take Flight as Grace University Unveils a Bold New Era in Collegiate Competition.
Grace U has officially announced the launch of its athletics department, with intercollegiate competition set to begin in Fall 2026, marking a historic new chapter for the institution and the beginning of a bold vision for student-athletes in Southern California and beyond.
Competing under the name Grace University Talons, the university will enter the collegiate athletics landscape with a powerful mission: to build a nationally respected program rooted in faith, opportunity, excellence, and impact.
The official launch of Grace University Athletics signals more than the addition of sports programs. It represents the beginning of a movement—one designed to create life-changing opportunities for student-athletes seeking a competitive platform, a Christ-centered environment, and an academic path with purpose.
A NEW ERA TAKES FLIGHT
With the Fall 2026 launch, Grace University is stepping onto the national stage with a vision to establish one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking small-college athletic departments in the country. The Talons brand will embody energy, ambition, and fearless pursuit—bringing together high-level competition and a culture built on development, discipline, and belief.
Grace University Athletics will be built to serve student-athletes who are hungry for more: more growth, more visibility, more challenge, and more purpose.
“This is a defining moment for Grace University,” the university said in its official announcement. “Athletics will be a major pillar in our future, and the launch of the Talons marks the start of something powerful—something designed to impact lives on the field, in the classroom, and far beyond graduation.”
BUILT FOR THE MODERN STUDENT-ATHLETE
Grace University Athletics is being designed to meet the needs of today’s student-athlete—providing competitive opportunity while cultivating leadership, character, and long-term success. The department’s vision is centered on building an environment where athletes can thrive spiritually, academically, and athletically.
The launch reinforces Grace University’s commitment to becoming a destination for student-athletes who want to compete at a high level while being part of a university experience that is deeply personal, mission-driven, and future-focused.
Under the Talons banner, Grace will emphasize:
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High-level collegiate competition
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Faith-based leadership development
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Intentional recruiting and program building
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A culture of excellence, accountability, and growth
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A modern athletic brand built for visibility and momentum
THE TALONS IDENTITY
The introduction of the Grace University Talons gives the university a bold and memorable athletic identity—one that reflects strength, precision, fearlessness, and rise. The Talons name represents an aggressive and confident competitive spirit, while also symbolizing elevation, vision, and pursuit.
As the university prepares for launch, the Talons brand is expected to become a central part of Grace’s expanding footprint in collegiate athletics, recruiting, media, and campus life.
With dynamic branding, a clear institutional vision, and growing anticipation around its inaugural teams, Grace University is positioning itself to make an immediate statement in the small-college athletics world.
LOOKING AHEAD TO FALL 2026
The launch of Grace University Athletics in Fall 2026 will begin with foundational program development, strategic recruiting, staff expansion, and continued public announcements regarding sports offerings, leadership, schedules, facilities, and partnerships.
The university expects excitement to continue building as additional milestones are released in the months ahead.
Grace University’s message is clear:
The future is here. The Talons are rising. And Fall 2026 will mark the official beginning of a new era.
ABOUT GRACE UNIVERSITY
Grace University is a Christ-centered institution committed to developing leaders through education, opportunity, and purpose. With a vision for innovation and impact, Grace is building a transformative experience for students who are ready to pursue excellence in their academics, faith, and future.
Media Contact:
Grace University Athletics
Email: CoachBean@GraceU.edu
University Website: GraceU.edu
Athletics Website: GraceUAthletics.com