(Estherville, Iowa) Troy Larson, Head Men's Basketball Coach for Iowa Lakes Community College, was selected by the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) as the 2023 Coach of the Year. He led the Laker Men's Basketball team to their first regular season title since 2012-13 and their second Region XI Tournament title since 2020-21.

Larson is the eighth men's basketball coach at Iowa Lakes Community College and has been coaching at Iowa Lakes for the past 16 years. This is his first Coach of the Year award since ICCAC started awarding in 2017-18. Larson's overall coaching record is 342 wins and 151 losses, earning All-Time Winningest Coach at Iowa Lakes this year with 337 wins.

"Coach Larson is exceptional at recruiting student-athletes with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that best align with the Men's Basketball program and who commit to what it means to be a Laker. He is a master in player development and has the coaching knowledge and experience to help student-athletes reach their full potential. Coach Larson provides the critical foundation for student-athletes during their two-year experience at Iowa Lakes, allowing them to move on to the next level of play at a 4-year college or university. He is a coach, mentor, and role model, often making a lasting impact on each student-athlete that goes through his program," shared Julie Williams, Iowa Lakes Dean of Students.

Coach Larson says the Coach of the Year award results from the remarkable season the Iowa Lakes Men's Basketball team has had so far, winning the regular ICCAC season at 13-3, two games ahead of the two second-place teams.

"The assistant coaching staff worked hard to scout and recruit, bringing in the right type of guys and then focusing on player development and coaching up our team. I feel blessed to coach such a high-character group of young men who are constantly sacrificing individual accolades for the betterment of our team; the team consists of a very talented, high IQ, and tough bunch of players. In addition, Iowa Lakes has provided great administrative support for our basketball program to be successful, and we have a strong fan base, which helps when playing at home. I'm honored to accept the award on behalf of the team and institution," explained Coach Larson.

The Lakers are currently 24-8 on the season finishing first in ICCAC conference play, winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Region XI tournament, and advancing to the NJCAA Division II's Men's Basketball National Championship held in Danville, Illinois March 21-25.

 "A lot of our success this season comes from a deep bench, with great credit given to Coach Larson for his ability to develop and manage all players and team chemistry. We are playing at a high level right now, and I'm looking forward to seeing them make a deep run in the National Tournament next week," said Williams.

To learn more about Iowa Lakes Athletics, please visit iowalakesathletics.com.

MEDIA: For more information, please contact Ashley Martin, Head Women's Basketball Coach and Sports Information Marketing, at 712-362-7928 or amartin@iowalakes.edu.

PHOTO CAPTION 2: Head Men's Basketball Coach Troy Larson designated the ICCAC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year.