A Strategic Addition to the Millikin Coaching Staff
Shea Cupples has been appointed as an assistant coach for Millikin University's men's basketball team for the 2026-27 season, a move that underscores the program's intent to bolster its tactical depth and player development pipeline.
Cupples arrives after a standout tenure as lead assistant at Lake Forest College, where he helped guide the team to a 16-10 record in the 2025-26 campaign and contributed to the emergence of two First Team All-MWC selections, highlighting his ability to nurture talent on the national stage.
Prior to Lake Forest, Cupples served as a graduate manager at Ball State University, where his behind-the-scenes work supported the growth of one All-MAC second-team honoree and two honorable-mention selections, demonstrating his versatility across different collegiate environments.
A North Central College alumnus, Cupples logged 70 career games as a player, amassing over 500 points, 240 rebounds and 160 assists while earning two CCIW R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Awards and serving as team captain twice, credentials that reflect both his competitive grit and leadership acumen.
Beyond his playing days, Cupples holds a Master of Arts in Athletic Coaching Education from Ball State and a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from North Central, underscoring a commitment to scholarly rigor alongside practical coaching expertise.
He will join veteran coach Tom Noonan, whose longstanding presence in the program adds a layer of institutional knowledge that complements Cupples' fresh perspective, together forming a coaching duo aimed at elevating Millikin's competitive edge.