For more than three decades, Greg Franz built successful programs by investing in people first. Whether recruiting overlooked talent, mentoring student-athletes, or leading athletic programs, his career was defined by a belief that hard work, character, and opportunity could change lives. His impact extended far beyond the win-loss column, helping generations of student-athletes continue their education, compete at higher levels, and achieve success long after their playing days ended.
Raised in rural Nebraska, Franz developed a love for basketball that led him to play two seasons at York Junior College before completing his bachelor's degree and collegiate playing career at Harding University. He began coaching at Grand Island High School, where he spent two seasons learning under Hall of Fame coach Bill Kropp before earning his master's degree as a graduate assistant under Bob King at Indiana State University. During his time there, the program's redshirt team included future NBA legend Larry Bird.
After completing his master's degree, Franz accepted his first collegiate head coaching position at Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, Illinois, launching a career that spanned 31 seasons as a collegiate head coach. He spent 26 seasons at the community college level, including 21 years leading the Wenatchee Valley College men's basketball program, where he built one of the NWAC's respected programs. His philosophy centered on recruiting and developing athletes from North Central Washington, believing local talent could thrive when given the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.
Throughout his coaching career, 64 players from Franz's community college programs advanced to four-year colleges and universities, including NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA programs. He also coached at Northern Montana College, now Montana State University–Northern, where he recruited throughout eastern Montana, led camps and clinics, and built lasting relationships with Native American communities. Among the honors he treasured most was receiving a ceremonial blanket during a Blanket Ceremony from the Rocky Boy Reservation.
In 2011, Franz became Athletic Director at Wenatchee Valley College, overseeing significant improvements to the college's athletic facilities, including upgrades to the baseball and softball complexes, renovations to Smith Gymnasium, and improved locker room facilities for women's athletics. Although he retired in 2018, he returned to serve as interim athletic director from December 2021 through August 2022, continuing his long-standing commitment to Wenatchee Valley College Athletics.
Career Highlights
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31 seasons as a collegiate head coach
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26 seasons coaching at the community college level
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Five seasons coaching in the NAIA
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21 seasons as head men's basketball coach at Wenatchee Valley College
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421 career coaching victories
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Coached 64 community college student-athletes who advanced to four-year institutions:
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15 NCAA Division I
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11 NCAA Division II
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12 NCAA Division III
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26 NAIA
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1977 NJCAA Region IX and Illinois State Community College Champion (Lincoln Trail College)
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1977 NJCAA Region IX / Illinois State Community College Coach of the Year
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Ninth-place finish at the 1977 NJCAA National Tournament
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1996 NWAACC Champion
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1996 Eastern Region Champion
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1996 NWAACC Coach of the Year
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1996 Eastern Region Coach of the Year
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2000 NWAACC Runner-up
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2000 Eastern Region Champion
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2000 Eastern Region Coach of the Year
