Bio

Chad Lance starts season No. 21 as the head coach for the Missouri Valley College men’s basketball program season. The Vikings are looking forward to another successful season under the direction of Coach Lance. The Vikings have been nationally ranked in the NAIA in three different seasons. They have also taken pride in finishing in the top half of the conference. The Heart of America Athletic Conference ranks as one of the toughest conferences in the country. Since taking over the program Coach Lance has coached 43 all-conference players, seven All-American selections and 22 scholar-athletes. Coach Lance states that the success of the program is due to the commitment of the players. Also, Coach Lance became the program's all-time leader in career wins, with his 144th win over Hannibal-LaGrange University on Nov. 2, 2013. His 2014-2015 team advanced to the Buffalo Funds NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship for the first time in 54 years, advancing to the second round. That team finished with a 22-11 record, the best under Lance, and the program's first Heart of America Athletic Conference Postseason Tournament championship.

“We have great people. Our program strives to recruit the best student, person, and player. It has been exciting to observe the growth and pride that former players have for the program,” said Coach Lance.

Coach Lance is a native of Centralia, Ill. He received his bachelor’s degree from MVC, and a master’s degree from Lindenwood University. Coach Lance is an instructor of physical education and the facility coordinator of the Burns Athletic Complex. He, and his wife, Ellen (MVC alumna), reside in Marshall, with their two children, Jace and Jada Rae.

Coaching Experience:

• Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Missouri Valley College 2001-2003
• Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Hannibal-LaGrange College 2000-2001
• Graduate Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, MVC 1998-2000