Caleb Young ’22, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

At the age of nine, Caleb Young ’22 began playing basketball and has loved the sport ever since. “I love everything about the game, from strategy to relationships,” he shared in a recent interview. His love for basketball has spurred him on to serve as the current Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach for  Hardin-Simmons University as he wraps up his final year as an undergraduate. Caleb is a kinesiology major, born and raised in DeSoto, Texas. He has plans to pursue a graduate degree upon completion of his bachelor’s degree. 

Caleb was drawn to Hardin-Simmons University by the undeniable warmth present. “I felt so loved as soon as I stepped on campus,” he said. As a result of his passion for basketball, his path intersected with Matthew Brackett, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, who eventually became a mentor to him. “Coach Brackett gave me an opportunity to coach the game I love so much,” Caleb added.  

Caleb Young has successfully balanced the responsibilities of being both a full-time student and a full-time coach. His roles in the team include upholding the culture and increasing the morale of the team, planning strategies to be implemented at every game, and traveling with the team when they have games outside Abilene, Texas. “The goal of the program,” he said, “is to ensure that our athletes leave better equipped for life outside of basketball.”

During the basketball season, Caleb is always busy working with the team, which leaves little free time. When he has a spare moment, he reads professional development books or coaches’ biographies. Caleb also loves to visit other coaches to learn from them. 

Caleb strongly believes that God has been with him through his four years in college. His advice to current HSU students is, “have faith in God, and always remember that God has a plan for you.”