More about Coach Don Meyer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The basketball court at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena will be named in honor of former head men’s basketball coach Don Meyer. The dedication will take place in a ceremony on Dec. 3, 2011.

Meyer is the all-time winningest men’s collegiate basketball coach with a record of 923-324 in 38 years as a head coach. He coached Lipscomb from 1975 to 1999 and directed the Bisons to the NAIA National Championship in 1986.

“Coach Meyer is one of the cornerstones of excellence at Lipscomb University,” director of athletics Philip Hutcheson said. “He impacted thousands of lives from student-athletes to campers to community members in his 24 years at Lipscomb.

“While Coach Meyer was committed to winning on the court, he has left a lasting legacy through his teachings to make the world around us a better place. It is with great respect and admiration that we name the Allen Arena court in his honor.”

The Lipscomb basketball program under Meyer produced the top two scorers in collegiate history along with the all-time career leaders in 3-point shooting, steals and assists. Meyer also produced three national players of the year and 22 All-Americans. His camps are legendary and have attracted instructors ranging from John Wooden to Pat Summitt.

Meyer was involved in a life-changing car accident on Sept. 5, 2008 that led to eight surgeries and the amputation of his left leg below the knee. He was subsequently diagnosed with cancer in his liver and small intestine. Meyer was awarded the “Jimmy V Award for Perseverance” from ESPN at the ESPY Awards in July 2009.

Northern State University also honored Meyer by naming their court after him. Meyer took over the Northern State program starting with the 1999-2000 season and retired from coaching following the 2009-10 season. He remains on the Northern State staff as a Regent Distinguished Professor.

The National Basketball Hall of Fame awarded Meyer with the John Bunn Award in 2010 for significant contributions to the sport of basketball.

Lipscomb’s annual athletics fundraiser is also named for Meyer and has featured guests including Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and legendary Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.

The Wayne, Neb. native attended the University of Northern Colorado and graduated in 1967 majoring in physical education and minoring in English. Meyer began his coaching career at Western State (Colo.) where he was an assistant from 1968-70. From there he went to the University of Utah where he served as an assistant basketball coach from 1970-72 and earned a Ph.D. His first head coaching position was at Hamline from 1972-75.

Meyer has been married to his wife Carmen for 43 years. The couple has three children and eight grandchildren.