It all started 20 seasons ago
Kasie Thomas, Sports Editor
For some North Greenville college students, 20 years describe their age, but for Chad Lister, 20 years describe how long he has been coaching NGU men’s basketball. Lister is the head basketball coach for North Greenville University, and the end of this season marked his 20th year of coaching at NGU.
Before coming to North Greenville, Lister spent 7 years as a high school history teacher and basketball coach. Then, after a great interview with NGU’s Athletic Director, Jan McDonald, he believed that North Greenville was where he should be.
“Her leadership and vision was honest and genuine,” Lister said. “My family certainly felt this is where God was leading us. I knew NGU would be a wonderful place to teach, coach, and build relationships.”
When Lister first arrived at NGU, the school’s athletics were moving to a higher division, NAIA to NCAA Division II. During the transition, NGU basketball played some competitive teams and had some tough seasons, but Lister said playing those teams prepared them for the future.
“My first year we won two games. We knew it would take time to get the program off the ground,” Lister said. “The administration showed great patience and wanted us to build the program the right way.”
Lister said he was grateful to work with wonderful people in the program, the athletic department, and campus community that want to win, but will not sell their soul to do it.
Over time, the number of wins gotten higher, and Coach Lister is excited about his team and anxious to start preparing for the upcoming season.
He said, “This group has a chance to compete for a conference championship before they graduate.”
C.J. Jamison, sophomore, has been a part of the NGU men’s basketball team for 3 years and believes they have a chance at a conference championship too.
Jamison said, “The past couple of years we have come up short and that has motivated me and the team for next year to grind and get ready.”
Jamison said that the past years have also been amazing playing for Lister, and he is a great mentor to have.
“He is a great coach on the court and a great person off the court. He loves to get to know his players and genuinely wants the best for each and every one of us,” Jamison said.
One thing coach Lister emphasized was effort, and he is so proud of his team for always showing tremendous effort on the court no matter the situation.
