MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Dalton State men’s basketball coach Alex Ireland was recognized as the 2024-25 Coach of Character Award winner by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
The Basics
The award recognizes a head coach who has been outstanding in embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative by deliberately teaching character to their student-athletes through sport.
They Said It
Sean Cranney, former student-athlete: “I had a team member organize a summer league in Opelika. Alex would drive, the seven-hour round trip, to watch the games in a show of support. Alex lent my roommate a suit for his friend’s wedding when he had nothing to wear and shopping for a suit at 6’8 can be quite difficult. Alex was instrumental in the fundraising efforts and support of a team member’s family impacted by a tornado. Alex brought a few players to the hospital when one of our biggest fans was sick because he knew the impact it could have on him. The list could go on. Alex has supported his players at their highs and lows, during AND after their tenure in his program.”
Dr. Kim Hays, Faculty Athletics Rep: “His community activities model the servant leadership we work to develop in our student-athletes, and he is consistently working for the common good. This may look like a team event preparing the Dalton Creative Arts Guild’s grounds for the Fine Art Festival or setting up and tearing down for the Dalton Civitan Club’s Annual Pancake Day. Some mornings coach gets to the office a bit late because he has spent the morning as a Career Day guest at our local elementary schools or he leaves a touch early because he is volunteering with local youth basketball. He does all of this without any fanfare and generally does not want others to know what he is up to, but he consistently and continually models servant leadership for his team.”
Ben Rickett, Interim AD: “What sets Coach Ireland apart is his commitment to developing the whole person. He holds his players to high standards academically, athletically, and personally, and the respect he earns from them is evident in the effort and unity they bring to every game. He is a tireless worker, a team player, and an exceptional role model.”