Mark Hanson ’83Alumni and Staff

Mark Hanson has an extensive tenure at Gustavus as a 1983 graduate in Environmental Studies and 36 years coaching in men's basketball with 32 as the head coach.   He is presently the Recreation Program Director and brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the position.  A long-time outdoor enthusiast, Hanson earned his master's degree in Experiential Education at Mankato State University and teaches outdoor education classes in the health and exercise science department.  

During a gap year before college Mark spent a month in the BWCAW with his brothers before taking off on bicycles to New Orleans.  In addition he hiked the upper portion of the Appalachain Trail during his senior year at Gustavus.  He advanced his skills while working for Outward Bound in North Carolina and Minnesota.  Many and varied trips have taken him on many Boundary Waters trips, river trips in the area as well as hiking and flyfishing in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.  Flyfishing for trout in southeastern Minnesota is one of his greatest treasures.

During his time as head basketball coach, Hanson directed his teams to 11 NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances, including reaching the Final Four for the first time in school history and placing second in the nation during the 2002-03 season.

In the 2018-19 season, Hanson earned his 500th career victory with an 87-50 win at Macalester. Entering the 2020-21 season, Hanson ranks 11th in career victories (516) among active Division III coaches. 

Hanson, compiled a 519-308 overall record at Gustavus, including a 396-211 record in the MIAC, his teams won seven MIAC Championships, and he was named MIAC Coach of the Year eight times. He helped guide Gustavus to the MIAC Playoffs 21 times, reaching the finals 14 years and winning the MIAC Playoff Championship on seven occasions. His teams reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament six times and the Elite Eight three times. Hanson coached 31 players who garnered 51 All-Conference honors, four MIAC Players of the Year, eight players who received 13 all-region honors, and three All-Americans. In addition, Hanson coached two Jostens' Award Finalists (Trevor Wittwer, 2008; Marc Newell, 1999), which recognizes the top Division III men's basketball player in the nation based on academics, athletics, and community involvement.

Hanson is a 1983 Gustavus graduate and the basketball program's all-time leading scorer with 1,774 points. He was a two-time NAIA All-America and GTE Academic All-America selection, a three-time Gustie MVP and a four-time All-MIAC selection.

Mark is a native of Dodge Center, Minnesota, lives in St. Peter with Stephanie.  They share four children, Hans, Annika, Cole and Piper.

Courses Taught