IBCA Names Tommy Strine, Gretchen Miles 2026 PGC Transformational Coach Award Winners

The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association named Tommy Strine and Gretchen Miles as the 2026 recipients of the Point Guard College/Indiana Transformational Coach Awards, honoring two coaches whose careers have left marks far beyond the final buzzer.

The IBCA made the announcement Monday, framing the two selections around distinct but complementary narratives: recovery, in Strine's case, and sustained service, in Miles'.

Strine, the former Tri-West boys' head coach, recently completed his second season at the varsity level, guiding the Bruins to a 14-10 record and a second-place finish in the Hoosier Legends Conference. That the season happened at all carries its own weight. Over roughly a four-year period, Strine experienced symptoms that were eventually diagnosed as Cushing's disease caused by a pituitary tumor. He underwent brain surgery in April 2025 to remove the tumor, and the IBCA characterized his ability to return and coach the 2025-26 campaign as "in many ways, a miracle." Tri-West assistant Jaydon Nguyen submitted the nomination, with praise centered on Strine's leadership that extends well beyond the sidelines.

Gretchen Miles, the Washington girls' basketball coach, was recognized for her sustained contributions to the Washington program and the broader community. The IBCA highlighted her reputation for integrity, a positive approach, and dedication to developing student-athletes both on and off the court, citing the kind of long-term mentorship the award was designed to surface.

Now in its 10th year, the IBCA/PGC Transformational Coach Awards are presented to coaches "who have impacted the lives of their players and fellow coaches at their school and within their community." Point Guard College serves as the corporate partner for the program, and past honorees include Gary Cook, Chris Buggs, Adam Dennis, RaNae Isaak and Jim Merlie, among others. The selection criteria deliberately prioritize character-led leadership and career-long contribution over any single season's results, a standard the IBCA has maintained since the award's inception.

Both Strine and Miles will receive their awards in person during the 2026 IBCA Clinic on April 23-24 at Mt. Vernon High School in Fortville.