Graceland University Head Women’s Basketball Coach Willie Scott has announced his decision to step down from his position after four seasons leading the Yellowjackets. Scott’s final day at Graceland will be Aug. 24. Current assistant coach Zach Moore has been named interim head coach and will assume leadership of the program following Scott’s departure.

Scott’s decision brings to a close a four-year tenure at Graceland in which he helped lead and mentor the Yellowjacket women’s basketball program both on and off the court. He said the decision to step away was centered around family and an opportunity to coach his son, Peyton, during his final two seasons of high school basketball at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines.

“After a great deal of thought and reflection, I have made the decision to step away from my position as head women’s basketball coach at Graceland University,” Scott said. “This was not an easy decision. Graceland University and the Yellowjacket program have been an important part of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have coached, mentored and worked alongside so many outstanding student-athletes, coaches, administrators and members of the Graceland community.

“I am especially thankful for the young women I’ve had the privilege of coaching. They have taught me as much as I’ve tried to teach them, and I will always be proud of the women and basketball players they have become.

“Ultimately, this decision is about family and an opportunity I simply cannot let pass. My son, Peyton, has two years remaining in his high school basketball career, and I have the opportunity to coach him during those final two seasons. As a father, I know how quickly these moments pass, and I believe this is a special opportunity to be there for him in a way I may never have again.

“Basketball has been a tremendous part of my life and has given me opportunities and relationships that I will always cherish. I’m not walking away from the game; I’m simply beginning a different chapter. I want to thank Graceland University, the administration, my staff, our players and their families, and the entire Yellowjacket community for their support and friendship throughout my time here. I leave Graceland with tremendous gratitude, great memories and immense pride in the people I had the privilege to coach.”

Graceland Director of Athletics Brady McKillip thanked Scott for his four years of service to the university and the women’s basketball program.

“We are extremely grateful to Willie for the commitment, leadership and care he has given our women’s basketball program over the past four years,” McKillip said. “His impact goes well beyond wins and losses. Willie invested in our student-athletes as people, represented Graceland with class and built relationships that will remain long after his time on our sideline. We fully support his decision to put his family first and take advantage of this special opportunity to coach his son. We wish Willie and his family nothing but the best in this next chapter.”

Moore will step into the interim head coaching role after serving as an assistant under Scott. His familiarity with the current roster and program will provide continuity as the Yellowjackets prepare for the upcoming season.

“I would like to thank President Shrock and Brady for allowing me to continue growing this program,” Moore said. “Thank you to Coach Scott for bringing me to Graceland and for the countless things I have learned from you along the way. I am extremely grateful for your mentorship and the opportunity you gave me.

“I am excited to get to work with our staff and team as we chase excellence on and off the court. I also want to thank the countless people who have believed in our program and in me along the way. We are going to work every day to build a program that we can all be proud of. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to get started.”

McKillip said Moore’s experience within the program made him a natural choice to guide the Yellowjackets through the transition.

“Zach has earned the respect of our student-athletes and has been an important part of the work being done within our women’s basketball program,” McKillip said. “He understands our players, our university and the expectations we have for this program. We have confidence in his ability to provide stability, energy and leadership as our interim head coach, and we are excited to see him embrace this opportunity.”

Scott will conclude his four-year tenure as head coach of the Yellowjacket women’s basketball program on Aug. 24. Moore will assume his duties as interim head coach following Scott’s departure.

https://graceland.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2026-27/releases/202608170x8r8l

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