Head coach Ryan Cottingham begins his 22nd season as the head coach of the Spring Arbor University men’s basketball program. Cottingham started his coaching career as an assistant at Alma College (Mich.) in 1995 and served in that capacity for three seasons before taking the same position at Spring Arbor in 1998. In 1999, Cottingham accepted the invitation to become the eighth head coach in school history.
Cottingham also serves as the Director of Athletics, a position that became official during the summer of 2013 following a year as the interim AD. Prior to his new appointment, Cottingham was the Assistant Athletic Director for six years.
From 2007-10, Cottingham served as the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national basketball chair. He was the national vice chair from 2005-07.
Cottingham received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from SAU in 1994. He went on to earn his master’s degree in athletic administration from Central Michigan University in 2000.
As a collegiate athlete, Cottingham played for SAU from 1992-94, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College from 1990-92. A native of Three Rivers, Michigan, Cottingham participated in football, basketball and track. He was inducted into the Three Rivers High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.
Cottingham and his wife, Christy, have three children, Connor, Ryleigh and Trey, and reside in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful for the privilege I’ve been afforded to coach at my alma mater. Spring Arbor University is a special place and I want to glorify God to the best of my abilities,” noted Cottingham.
