Bio

The entire Graceland University community is abuzz with excitement as Dr. Ivan Joseph returns to the men’s soccer program, bringing with him a legacy of excellence and an inspiring vision for the future. Joseph, a name synonymous with success at Graceland, etched his place in Yellowjacket history in 2006 when he led the men's soccer team to their first-ever NAIA national championship in a thrilling final. The championship match ended in a dramatic 0-0 double-overtime draw, only for Graceland to claim victory in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. That moment has become an enduring part of Graceland’s rich athletic tradition, and Joseph’s return promises to rekindle the energy and pride of that historic season.

Ivan Joseph’s impact on Graceland soccer extends beyond the championship win. As the architect of both the men’s and women’s soccer programs, he quickly elevated them to national prominence. In just five years, he led both teams to #1 national rankings, earning recognition as the NAIA National Coach of the Year in 2006. His coaching philosophy, rooted in developing not only exceptional athletes but also confident, resilient individuals, has left a lasting imprint on the Graceland campus.

Joseph's return has sparked anticipation not just in the athletics department but across the entire Graceland community. His ability to inspire teams to achieve more than they ever thought possible resonates well beyond the soccer field. His famous TEDx Talk, with over 19 million views, and his book You Got This: Mastering the Skill of Self-Confidence, are further proof of his passion for building a culture of success.

After leaving Graceland, Joseph went on to lead transformative change at Ryerson University as Director of Athletics, guiding the Rams to unprecedented provincial and national championships. His leadership there, along with his role in the $100 million renovation of Maple Leaf Gardens, cemented his reputation as a builder of both winning teams and vibrant communities.

Dr. Joseph’s leadership continues to influence national and international soccer. In 2018, he was selected as Head Coach of the women’s national soccer team in his native Guyana, and his expertise as a high-performance coach helped Canada’s men’s basketball team capture their first-ever FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in 2017.