In his first year as head coach at Drake, Mark Phelps guided the Bulldogs to their second consecutive post-season tournament in 2009, marking the first time the Drake basketball program had advanced to post-season play in two consecutive seasons since 1970-71.

Phelps was named the 25th men's head basketball coach at Drake on April 21, 2008 after serving as an associate head coach at Arizona State from 2006-08. Phelps led Drake to a 17-16 record in 2008-09 and an appearance in the inaugural CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.

"Mark's extensive experience as an assistant in the Pac-10 and the ACC, coupled with his commitment to the holistic development of young men, made him the ideal candidate to continue the established success of the Drake Bulldogs," said Drake Athletics Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb.

"Mark was touted as one of the top assistant coaches in college basketball. His character and his demonstrated passion for the game are just two of the many outstanding qualities that attracted us to him. Coach Mark Phelps is a perfect fit for Drake University."

"I consider it an honor and privilege to be the head coach at Drake University," said Phelps. "President Maxwell (Drake's David) has fostered a true family environment where the "Drake experience" is a special one for students, faculty, staff and the entire Drake community.

"I have tremendous respect and great appreciation for Sandy Hatfield Clubb and look forward to working together with her and the entire athletic department to continue the pursuit of excellence for Drake basketball. I could not be more excited about this opportunity."

The Virginia Beach, Va., native had served on the coaching staff at North Carolina State under head coach Herb Sendek from 1996-2006 before joining Sendek at Arizona State in 2006.

"I am grateful for the 12 years Coach Mark Phelps invested on our staff at both NC State and Arizona State and most certainly recognize the wonderful impact he made," said Sendek. "I congratulate Mark, as he will be the consummate CEO for the Drake men's basketball program. He will represent the university as a perfect gentleman and at the same time lead the basketball program with a true competitive spirit."

Phelps, 43, concluded his 21st year as basketball coach, including 14 years on the collegiate level after a highly successful high school coaching career.

Phelps was part of Sendek's staff that led North Carolina State to a 53-39 (.576) record in the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season and tournament play in the final five seasons in Raleigh, N.C.. The Wolfpack tied for the second most wins in the ACC from 2001-2002 through the 2005-2006 season.

Phelps joined the North Carolina State staff in 1996, serving as director of basketball operations before becoming assistant coach in 2000. He was promoted to recruiting coordinator, director of scouting and assistant coach with the Wolfpack in 2005.

The 1996 Old Dominion graduate joined the North Carolina State program after a highly successful tenure as a high school head coach.

Phelps is extremely familiar with successful basketball programs, having coached his way to a 148-53 (.736 winning percentage) overall record during his six years directing a pair of Virginia independent high school teams.

Phelps spent two seasons (1995-96) at Atlantic Shores Christian High School in Chesapeake, Va., where his teams compiled a 44-12 record. His 1996 squad finished 20-3 and set school marks for winning percentage (.870) and fewest losses.

Prior to his tenure at Atlantic Shores, Phelps coached four years at Rock Church Academy and posted a 104-41 record. His teams played in the Metro Conference, where he was twice named Coach of the Year as the Eagles won three straight conference championships.

Each of his last five prep teams advanced to the Virginia Independent School State Tournament. Four times he coached teams to the quarterfinals of the state tournament and twice to the state semifinals. He also served as athletics director at both high schools.

Mark and his wife, Alissa, have a son Owen, who was born on May 2, 2009.