Alumnus Graham named Kings Basketball head coach

Red Deer, AB - Red Deer College and RDC Athletics are thrilled to announce the appointment of Darren Graham as the head coach of the Kings Basketball program. Graham brings Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) coaching and playing experience to the College, including two seasons in a Kings uniform, from 1996-98.

The past four seasons, Graham was an assistant coach with the Concordia University Thunder, who play in the ACAC Men's Basketball North Division. This past season, the Thunder (20-4) finished first in their division during the regular season and then captured silver at the ACAC Men's Basketball Championship in Lloydminster.

Darren Graham (Pic from Concordia Athletics)

"Darren will bring a lot of passion to our program from the perspectives of a coach and past player," says Diane St-Denis, RDC Athletic Director. "When combined with his ability to build strong relationship and his coaching experience, I am confident he will continue to build on our program's strong tradition."

The new Kings' leader brings a wealth of expertise and success at both the ACAC and high school levels. During his time with the Thunder, Graham also coached the Millwoods Christian Royals. In 2018, he led his 2A Senior Boys Basketball team to an Alberta Schools' Athletic Association (ASAA) provincial silver medal and was honoured as Metro Athletics Tier 2 Coach of the Year.

Graham is eager to return to RDC and build on the renowned traditions of Kings Basketball. "I am very proud and honoured to be the coach of the RDC Kings, and I want to continue the culture of success," he says. "The Kings Basketball program exemplifies hard work and excellence on and off of the court. I look forward to challenging our group of guys to compete with the best in the ACAC, by maximizing their capacities as student-athletes and young men."

While it has been over 20 years since Graham played for the Kings, his positive recollection of his time at Red Deer College remains strong. "Some of my fondest memories at the College include winning an ACAC Championship and competing at the CCAA National Championship in 1998," he shares. "I also cherish the outstanding relationships built throughout my college experience."

As he steps into his role as head coach today, Graham is looking forward to give back to a basketball program, community and college that means so much to him. "I value the Red Deer community, along with the experiences and memories from RDC that influenced my life journey," says Graham. "I am passionate about paying that sentiment forward to the next generation of Red Deer College student-athletes."