Hilton Head Christian coach, athletic director leaving for college opportunity
Jason Grunkemeyer is headed back to the college ranks for his next job.
The Hilton Head Christian boys basketball coach and athletic director was announced as the new Deputy Director of Athletics for Maine University. The school sent out a release of Jason Grunkemeyer’s hire on Monday. His first day at the new job will be Aug. 8.
“I want to thank President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Director of Athletics Jude Killy for this incredible opportunity to serve the University and this community in my role as Deputy AD,” Grunkemeyer said in a release. “I love to be a part of supporting the success of others and my focus will be to utilize my experiences as an athlete, coach, and administrator to help our students, coaches, and staff reach their potential in all areas.
“Additionally, I couldn’t be more excited to work under the leadership of Jude Killy, who I know through first-hand experience to be an exceptional person, administrator, and servant leader. The future is bright for the University of Maine Athletics and my family and I are excited to be a part of this community!”
Some of Grunkemeyer’s duties include mentoring coaches and staff, supporting new and existing facilities and operations. He will also be heavily involved in the day-to-day operations and all personnel matters.
Grunkemeyer was at HHCA for two seasons. The Eagles went 33-19 in his two seasons and made it to the SCISA Class 3A championship game this year before losing to rival Hilton Head Prep.
Before coming to HHCA, Grunkemeyer was an assistant coach at Division I Ball State for eight seasons. He also coached at his alma mater Miami (Ohio) and St. Louis
Grunkemeyer played college basketball at Miami (Ohio) and was part of the school’s run to the Sweet Sixteen of the 1999 NCAA Tournament. He appeared in 114 games and averaged a career-best 11.3 points per game during his senior season.
“Jason brings deep experiences and rich perspectives, having been a champion and NCAA Tournament participating student-athlete, a coach and administrator at both public and private colleges and universities and at public and private high schools for more than 20 years,” UMaine Director of Athletics Jude Killy wrote in a release. “He has directly worked in or overseen every unit of an athletic department in a decision-making role.
“On top of that, his professionalism and acumen are unmatched. Most importantly, Jason’s value system is grounded in integrity and a team-above-self philosophy that is committed to educating, mentoring and developing people in support of comprehensive excellence. He is the perfect match for our senior leadership team, our department, and the university.”
