The Grace Christian University Athletics department is pleased to announce the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022, with two renowned individuals being voted in: Dave Grube and Abby Schultz.
Dave Grube, was the athletic director at Grace Bible College from 1986-1996, and spent time as the head men’s basketball coach from 1986-1990 and head men’s soccer coach from 1989-1996. He was a four-time District Coach of the Year in soccer and brought the men’s basketball team to their first ever NCCAA National Tournament. During his tenure as Athletics Director at Grace Bible College his teams earned 14 District Championships and two National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championships. In 1997, he received the NCCAA Meritorious Service Award for outstanding leadership. Though he was inducted as an administrator and coach, Dave first made his mark in 1972-73 for the Tigers as a player, earning MVP honors in soccer and averaging 26.2 points and 10 rebounds per game in basketball.
“There are three words that immediately came to mind when I found out I was selected to be inducted into GCU’s Hall of Fame. Those words are humbled, honored and blessed. I am humbled to think that someone felt I was worthy to be nominated and recognized alongside so many others that have excelled at such a high level and had a tremendous impact on the university and its community. I’m extremely honored to be part of this year’s class and be associated with all the other inductees that have come before me. And I’m blessed that God brought me to GCU to be impacted by so many student athletes and colleagues that are still part of my life and my journey today. I thank the Lord for the opportunity He gave me to serve at GCU, and for my wife and family who have supported me unconditionally for so many years. And finally, a sincere gratitude to Dr. Sam Vinton for pursuing me to come to GCU and hiring me 37 years ago.” – Dave Grube
Dave has continued to put his stamp on the world of athletics since his time at Grace, working with the Grand Rapids Hoops professional basketball organization from 1996-2001 where he was the GM, and as Athletic Director at Cornerstone University from 2003-2016. He is now the CEO of the National Association for Christian Athletic Administrators.
Abby Schultz was one of the most versatile athletes Grace has seen, standing out on both the volleyball and basketball teams throughout her time at Grace. She capped off her career in 2016 by receiving the NCCAA Game Plan 4 Life Award, which is the top honor given by the NCCAA for women’s basketball. She is the only Tiger ever to receive this honor. She was also a 1st-Team NCCAA All-American in 2016 and led the Tigers to the NCCAA Final Four. For the volleyball team, her accolades include 1st-Team All-Region, Leadership Award, and Team MVP in 2015.
“What an honor to be inducted into Grace’s Hall of Fame! I’m so thankful for my time at Grace for my coaches, community, and teammates who became lifelong friends. Grace gave me the launch pad into my career in college athletics and forever thankful for the opportunities I had as a student-athlete. Incredibly blessed to join an outstanding group of individuals in the Hall of Fame.” -Abby Schultz
Abby has had a successful career in athletics since graduation, coaching at the NAIA level at Hannibal-LaGrange, Dordt, and Indiana Wesleyan University. This past year she transitioned into a role as a Championship Sport Manager at the NAIA National Office in Kansas City, MO.
Dave and Abby will be honored in the Fall of 2023 over homecoming weekend on September 15 and 16.
*Nominees are being collected for the Class of 2023. Any former Grace player, coach, or administrator can submit a nomination form.
