Pappas served as an Assistant Coach at Azusa Pacific University for three years. He was part of two Golden State Athletic Championship teams in those three years, including the 2000-2001 team that won a school record 35 games and lost in the NAIA semifinal game. Before going to APU, Pappas spent twenty years coaching in high school. Pappas was the first basketball coach at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach when the program started in 1998. Pappas served as head coach at Rowland High School for six years, leading them to the playoffs in four of those years. He was named San Gabriel Valley Tribune Coach of the Year in 1991.
Pappas earned his Bachelors in Business from Long Beach State University in 1981. In 1987, he earned his Masters in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University. Pappas resides in Long Beach with his wife, Lisa, and two sons, Jordan and Brandon.
Pappas also served as the Men’s Interim Head Coach during the 2003-2004 season and as an assistant coach under former head coach Tim Sweeney Sr. during the 2002-2003 season.
Before going to APU, Pappas spent twenty years coaching in high school. Pappas was the first basketball coach at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach when the program started in 1998. Pappas served as head coach at Rowland High School for six years, leading them to the playoffs in four of those years. He was named San Gabriel Valley Tribune Coach of the Year in 1991.
Pappas, who also served as Hope’s Athletic Director, earned his Bachelors in Business from Long Beach State University in 1981. In 1987, he earned his Masters in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University. Pappas resides in Long Beach with his wife, Lisa, and two sons, Jordan and Brandon.
After finishing Junior College, He attended Chapman College, receiving is B.A. degree and teaching credential. Along with being a member of a NCAA Basketball Western Regional finalist, he was team captain. He also earned a M.A. degree from College of St. Thomas.
Choosing to pursue a career in teaching and coaching basketball. His journey included coaching basketball at Lakewood High School, Mt. San Antonio College, Fullerton College, and Hope International University. He has had the opportunity to coach several N.B.A players during
his career.
In 2000, he was introduced to Nelson Cook, director of COIN, and has been a COIN leader/staff volunteer for the past 17years. He serves
the Corona Fellowship reaching coaches with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, encouraging and strengthening them in their personal, and professional lives.
Life Verse:
Phillipians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Principal .
His first love has always been his coaching ministry.
He has had the opportunity to be a Head Football Coach, Head Baseball Coach, Head Softball Coach, Head Girls’ Basketball Coach, Head Cross Country Coach, and Head Golf Coach. His career has been one of joy and constant growth.
His wife Diane has been both an inspiration and encourager for the past 36 years.
Coach Ireland has also been blessed with three wonderful children Heather, Geoff, and Carisa.
“The COIN MINISTRY has truly changed my total approach to coaching. I am so grateful to Nelson and the mentoring process I have gone through. I always thought I was doing the very best job I could. COIN has taken me to another level as a faith based coach.”
We are always looking for coaches to join us in our mission to reach, encourage, and strengthen other coaches. Please contact us if you want to be a part of what God is doing in and through us. Work from home, where you are, with the coaches you are already involved with or go to a new area where you feel God is leading you.
