Leonard promoted to Queens head men's basketball coach

CHARLOTTE – Grant Leonard has been promoted to head men's basketball coach at Queens University of Charlotte.

Leonard, who has been coaching for 18 years, joined the Royals in 2013 and has served as associate head men’s basketball coach since 2016. He will be the sixth head coach in Queens men's basketball history.

"Grant has been instrumental in the development of and critical to the success of our basketball program the past nine years," athletics director Cherie Swarthout said. "He has remained loyal and committed to the process of building the Royals into a championship and nationally relevant program. His analytical approach combined with his ability to build relationships will continue to propel us forward."

Leonard has been a key part of the Royals' success for nearly a decade as Queens has posted a 189-37 record and an .837 winning percentage over the past seven seasons. The Royals have been nationally ranked in the top 25 in 111 of 112 polls (NABC or D2SIDA) dating back to November 2015. Additionally, they have reached the top 10 in each of the last seven seasons peaking at No. 1 in January 2018.

"My family and I couldn't be more honored to have the responsibility to take over this prestigious program," Leonard said. "The foundation has been laid by the past student-athletes and coaches and they have set a championship tone. We will continue to build on that with a focus on daily work, character, integrity, toughness and development. The Queens community is a special place and I couldn't be more excited to assist Queens with its mission of giving students a transformational experience here in Charlotte."

In addition to serving as associate head coach for the Royals, Leonard has been the head coach and general manager for Team D2 which has competed in The Basketball Tournament since summer 2019. TBT is a single-elimination, 64-team tournament that has a grand prize of over $1 million. Leonard's teams have been comprised of former DII players who are now competing at the professional level, and they have made it to the round of 32 or better all three seasons.

Leonard has also been instrumental in recruitment and player development for the Royals over the years. Twenty-four Queens alumni have played professional basketball in the past nine seasons. Additionally, three have been named NABC All-Americans and 10 have earned all-region and all-conference first-team honors.

During his collegiate coaching career, Leonard has worked at five schools and in all three divisions of NCAA competition. He came to Queens from Paine College (2011-2013) where he served as first assistant coach, recruiting coordinator, director of skill development and defensive specialist.

Leonard's previous coaching stops include Flagler College (2009-2010), the University of Texas-Pan American (2006-2009), and Washington College (2005-2006).