In the world of college basketball, where coaches often stick to traditional attire, Grant Leonard is a breath of fresh air. The head coach of the Queens Royals made waves as he led his team to their first NCAA Tournament appearance, squaring off against No. 2 seed Purdue. But it wasn't just the game plan that caught everyone's attention-it was Leonard's bold choice of attire.
Leonard, known for his unique fashion sense, chose to wear a sweater that celebrated St. Patrick's Day, even though the holiday had already passed. The sweater, blending the American flag with an Irish twist, was a standout piece during the first-round matchup.
For fans just tuning into Queens basketball, Leonard might be a new face, but his penchant for eye-catching sweaters is well-documented. Throughout the season, Leonard has sported themed sweaters for various occasions, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Black History Month. His sweater game has become something of a legend, with social media buzzing every time he steps onto the court.
So, what's the story behind these vibrant game-day outfits? Leonard humorously recalls being labeled a "bah humbug" by his family for not being festive enough during holidays.
To counter this, he began wearing holiday sweaters, and the tradition stuck. The sweaters have become so popular that companies have even approached him with offers for custom designs.
Leonard's considering selling patches to local businesses for future holiday-themed sweaters.
Originally hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Leonard's journey to head coach at Queens has been a long one. After playing college basketball at William Penn College in Iowa, he spent nearly 20 years as an assistant coach before taking the helm at Queens. His coaching record speaks for itself, with a 73-62 record over four seasons, showcasing a steady improvement and dedication to the team.
Leonard's unique style and coaching prowess have certainly made him a standout figure in college basketball. As the Royals continue to rise, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on both his strategies and his sweaters.