Joel Hanson is entering his first season as an assistant coach for the University of Minnesota Crookston in 2023-24, after previously spending two years at former NSIC rival Upper Iowa University from 2021-23.Â
Hanson worked under Head Coach Brooks McKowen, helping the Peacocks to a combined 42-22 mark in two years. During the 2021-22 season, Hanson helped Upper Iowa to a 26-6 mark and a berth in the 2022 NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament, where they made it to the second round before falling to Augustana University. Hanson helped coach Joe Smoldt and Jake Hilmer to All-NSIC First Team nods in 2021-22, and Jareese Williams to an All-NSIC Second Team pick. Hilmer was again named to the first team in 2022-23, and was selected the NSIC South Player of the Year. Lucas Duax was selected to the All-NSIC Second Team, and was the NSIC Defender of the Year, while Nick Reid was named All-NSIC Second Team.
Hanson assisted with player workouts, film sessions, and game day operations for the Peacocks.
Prior to Upper Iowa, Hanson was a manager for the Iowa State University men's basketball team. He helped with player workouts, film sessions, and game day operations for the Big 12 program. He helped the Cyclones from 2018-21. The 2018-19 squad made the NCAA Division I Tournament led by Tyrese Haliburton, who is now with the Indiana Pacers and was a NBA All-Star in 2023. In addition, the squad had Talen Horton-Tucker of the Utah Jazz, and Lindell Wigginton of the Milwaukee Bucks.Â
He received his bachelor's degree in management and marketing from Iowa State University, and his master's degree in sports administration from Upper Iowa. He went to South Winneshiek High School in Calmar, Iowa.Â
