Published November 4, 2024
BY AVERY PALSHAW
When sat down with his high school counselor and asked what he wanted to do when he was older, a young Kurt Grahl replied confidently that he wanted to be a coach. Slightly taken aback, the counselor made note of his impressively high test scores in mathematics, explaining that he had the possibility to pursue a multitude of career paths. She insisted again, “What kind of a real job would you want to do?” And again Grahl told her, “A coach.” After she had objected a third time, Kurt Grahl not only knew he had frustrated his poor counselor, but he knew he was going to be a coach.
Boys’ varsity basketball head coach Kurt Grahl is anticipating a productive and successful season this year. (photo by AVERY PALSHAW)
Now a mathematics teacher by day and a coach by night, Grahl coaches the Carmel High School varsity boys’ basketball team on the challenges of the court, while also coaching them on the challenges of life. The coach of over 30 years says that his secret to coaching effectively is to make decisions based on the skill of each player and not immediately put a player in their “stereotypical” position.
“I try to allow kids to use whatever their talents are to their highest level,” says Grahl.
Starting off coaching basketball in 1988 at Folsom Middle School, Grahl eventually transitioned to coaching the CHS freshman boys’ basketball team in 2014 and just two years later took on the position of head varsity coach. Since stepping into that role eight years ago, the passionate coach has led his Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division team to three league championship wins and continues to elevate the team.
Last year, the team earned 2nd place in the Gabilan Division, ending 11-1 in league and 25-4 overall. Grahl anticipates that the 2024-25 season will be another successful year, with standout players like shooting guard Warren Blut, who averaged 13.4 points per game last season, and small forward Simeon Brown who led in steals per game and assists.
“Coach Grahl is dedicated to the team and to each player’s growth on and off the court,” says senior Blut. “His game plans are incredibly well thought out, making every challenge a chance to win.”
Assistant coach Hans Schmidt notes that the team’s positive dynamic can in part be attributed to the sense of camaraderie between him and Grahl. He also believes that they both want what’s best for each of their players, but know when to prioritize the success of their team.
“We’re kind of a ying and yang dynamic,” says Schmidt, referring to Grahl’s immense focus on game strategy as a coach and his particular focus on player motivation.
Like Schmidt, Grahl grew up with a love of sports, spending nearly every day of his summers in Michigan playing sports with his friends, particularly basketball and football. His passion for competitive sports was a contributing factor in him wanting to be a coach since age 14 and remains prominent in how he coaches today.
“Back when I was growing up, [I would] just go play pickup in the neighborhood,” explains Grahl. “There weren’t a lot of organized leagues, but I’d still play every day.”
Grahl is constantly planning for the upcoming basketball season and has full faith that the team has the ability to win their league this year if they play to their potential.
