Adam Gage began his coaching career as a Student Manager, Volunteer Assistant, then Graduate Assistant. He went on to lead Basketball Operations at Morehead State and Georgia Southern. Coach Gage is now the Men's Assistant Coach at Emporia State University.
Read more about Coach Gage below!
How did you first get into coaching? What has been the driver that has kept you in coaching?
I did not want to coach at first. I wanted to be a part of a basketball program as an undergraduate student, but wanted to play. That did not happen, so I decided to be a student manager. I went to school wanting to be a physical therapist, but took a graduate school placement test and did not do well on it. Decided to look into other professions that involved what I loved. It was basketball. Took a volunteer job at a junior college and my journey continues. The reason I keep coaching is that my purpose in this life is to serve others. I believe serving student-athletes, college in particular, is what keeps me going and why I love this job and the game of basketball.
Who has been the biggest influence in your coaching career? Why?
All the coaches that I have worked for in the past that have given me an opportunity. To name a few, Michael Fly, Tim Ryan, Jake Zehnder and Preston Spradlin have been some of the biggest influnences of my coaching career. The reason they have had such a huge impact is because they have cared about my personal growth and life along with coaching.
What has been your greatest lesson learned in coaching so far?
That trust has to be earned by everyone. You have to invest into others outside of basketball whether it be players, coaches, managers, or the atheltic department.
What has been your most memorable win?
Beating Belmont in the OVC Championship game in 2021.
What is your favorite team meal?
Post game pizza.
Tell us a recent book/podcast/movie that has left you inspired as a coach.
Hustle with Adam Sandler on Netflix. Never give up on what you want to accomplish in life.
Fun Fact: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you.
I am married to the Director of On-Campus Recruiting for Football at Kansas State. We both working in athletics and love supporting each other in our profession.
As a member, what has been the most rewarding aspect/ favorite memory of Rising Coaches for you?
The most rewarding aspect is getting to meet different coaches and to continue to build relationships with them. I have fallen off the "2 Coaches a Month" program, but it is one of the greatest experiences to have as a young coach.
