Ever since high school and college, Mark Goetsch wanted to train the next generation. He coached high school basketball in San Fransisco and desired to coach college basketball. Though he thought that would happen when he was fifty, the Lord brought him that opportunity when he was thirty-two. Since becoming PCC Eagles men's basketball head coach in 1994, he's played a significant part in training the next generation, influencing over 200 basketball players.

While he has influenced so many people, anyone who knows Coach Goetsch understands that he does everything with God's help. And he has his favorite spot in the arena from which he draws strength. Goetsch says, "The home bench in the Sports Center Arena is home to me. I've even lain down on the floor and prayed in that spot. That's a special spot." Treasuring a posture of prayer and a heart of service to let the Lord use him, Goetsch has coached over 800 games across the southern region of the U.S. That's quite an impressive game count, considering that the NCCAA career coach average is about 500.

That many games spanning his twenty-seven-year career is only accomplished by loyalty and dedication to the players and the program. Because getting the timing and details of the game right is important, that required meeting one on one with players who needed a little extra coaching with footwork or shooting techniques. With each interaction, Coach Goetsch instilled in the team qualities of resilience, integrity, and character. With each game, he also empowered them to represent Christ and demonstrate Christian sportsmanship—The Eagle Way. Marlon Gardner, former Eagles basketball player and current Assistant Coach for the Eagles, learned a lot of valuable knowledge over the years under Coach Goetsch's instruction. "Seeing how hard he works behind the scenes is encouraging and shows how much he was dedicated to the basketball team," Gardner said.

Basketball is more than a sport. Basketball is about developing men and preparing them for something greater. "He taught me basketball," former Eagles player Micah Bowman ('08) said, "but the entire time, he was teaching me how a Christian should live." Goetsch's desire to see each player honor Christ came through team devotionals, encouraging them to be spiritual leaders on campus. He would also point out what former Eagles players were doing to serve Christ in their spheres of influence and encourage current players to do the same.

Demonstrating The Eagle Way didn't just stay on the home court or around campus. Even at away games, Goetsch showed the team that making a difference mattered. "His attention to commitment, steadfastness in whatever he's doing, and spirit of integrity shines in all that he does," said Eagles Athletic Director Addison Calley. Coach's desire has always been to exemplify Christ. From pulling a deacon's car out of the ditch with the team during a North Carolina snowstorm to showing up at a high school game to support the younger generation, Coach Goetsch has modeled service and kindness for his team and others. "Since we are together so much while practicing and traveling, the players have a special bond with each other," current Eagle basketball player AJ Ward (So., FL) said.

Coach Goetsch's many years of faithfulness and service extend beyond the sidelines. "Coach Goetsch was an amazing example of hard work. He taught classes, ran practices, coached games, drove our vans and buses, and ran camps during the summer. With all that going on, Coach still cared for his family and his players. That was an great example for me that I have carried on into my personal life and my coaching career," said Wade Anderson, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Shorter University. Coach Goetsch's focus and dedication reach into the heart, mind, and soul of every player, challenging them to live out The Eagle Way and influence the world for Christ, both on and off the court. And that's the legacy that will live on.