Florida SouthWestern State College announced this week that David Grace will lead its men’s basketball program as the new head coach, tapping a veteran with more than two decades of experience at the highest levels of the sport.
A Coach With a Proven Record
Grace arrives after a 25‑year coaching odyssey that includes 14 seasons in NCAA Division I, where he has overseen four tournament bids, three Sweet Sixteen runs and multiple conference championships.
His most recent stop was a five‑year tenure at UCLA, where he served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, helping the Bruins to 117 victories and guiding the team to three Sweet Sixteen appearances while mentoring prospects such as Lonzo Ball.
Recruiting Excellence
During his time in Westwood, Grace earned a reputation as the premier recruiter in the Southeast, a status that landed him the No. 1 ranking among Division I peers in 2020, and resulted in the development of 21 future NBA players, five of whom were selected in the draft lottery.
Before college, Grace spent 20 years in the United States Air Force, serving in combat during Operation Desert Storm, and later founded Amazing Grace Warriors, a nonprofit that uses basketball as a vehicle for youth development and community engagement.
College officials expressed confidence that Grace’s leadership will elevate the program both on and off the court, bringing a blend of military discipline, collegiate success and grassroots outreach to the campus in Florida.