Drew Church joined the Central Washington University men's basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach in 2018. This year will be his 16th season coaching at the college level and 9th year at CWU.
The Wildcats have been successful on & off the hardwood during his tenure. On the court, Church has served as the defense coordinator for the Wildcats since the 19-20 season. This past season, Central’s defense played a steady role in the Wildcats’ overall success, holding opponents to 74.5 points per game across 31 contests. CWU limited opposing teams to a 44.3 percent shooting mark from the field and just 31.7 percent from three-point range, reflecting strong perimeter coverage and disciplined half-court defense. The Wildcats were active defensively, recording 199 steals and 115 blocks, while forcing opponents into 368 turnovers. On the glass, Central narrowly out-rebounded its opponents on the defensive end 813-775, helping limit second-chance opportunities. Although opponents attempted more field goals overall, the Wildcats’ ability to contest shots, pressure the ball, and disrupt offensive rhythm contributed to consistent defensive production throughout the season.
In the 2024-25 season, Central turned in a solid defensive performance that helped anchor one of the program’s most productive years. The Wildcats limited opponents to 73.3 points per game over 32 contests while holding them to 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 35.6 percent from three-point range, showing an ability to contest shots both inside and on the perimeter. CWU was active defensively, forcing 401 opponent turnovers while recording 224 steals and 116 blocks. The Wildcats also controlled the defensive boards, outrebounding opponents 808-722 on the defensive end and finishing with an overall rebounding advantage. Combined with their ability to pressure the ball and disrupt offensive flow, Central’s defensive execution played a key role in sustaining momentum throughout the season.
During the 2023-24 season, the Wildcats’ defense proved to be a defining factor in one of the most successful campaigns in program history, culminating in the ‘Cats winning the GNAC title. CWU held opponents to just 71.3 points per game over 32 contests while limiting them to 43.8 percent shooting from the field and 32.2 percent from beyond the arc. The Wildcats were disruptive on defense, forcing 406 turnovers and recording 221 steals and 112 blocks. Central also controlled the glass, outrebounding opponents 873-759 on the defensive end and finishing with a clear overall rebounding edge. That defensive consistency and physicality carried over into postseason play, where the Wildcats’ ability to get stops in critical moments played a key role in their run to the GNAC Tournament title.
In 2022-23, CWU’s defense played a consistent and disciplined role throughout the year, holding opponents to 69.6 points per game across 29 contests. The Wildcats limited opposing teams to 44.5 percent shooting from the field and 33.4 percent from three-point range. Defensively, Central forced 400 turnovers while recording 182 steals and 85 blocks, applying pressure both in passing lanes and around the rim. On the boards, the Wildcats finished with a defensive rebounding edge 736-683. Combined with physical on-ball defense and consistent team positioning, Central’s defensive effort provided a reliable foundation throughout the 2022-23 campaign.
The 2021-22 season saw Central post a steady defensive performance that helped keep the Wildcats competitive throughout the year. CWU held opponents to 75.9 points per game over 26 contests while limiting them to 45.5 percent shooting from the field and an efficient 32.6 percent from the perimeter. The Wildcats were active defensively, forcing 350 turnovers and recording 171 steals and 83 blocks, applying pressure both on the ball and at the rim. On the glass, Central led opponents in defensive rebounds 700-693 overall, remaining effective on the defensive boards.
In 2021-22, the Wildcats led the GNAC in defensive rebounding. They averaged 28 defensive rebounds per game and secured 75% of all defensive rebounds. The Wildcats finished fourth in the GNAC in Field Goal Percentage Defense, limiting their opponents to just under 45% in GNAC play.
In 2019, CWU was one of the best defensive teams in the conference. They held their opponents under 70 points per game for the first time since 2010. CWU was among the GNAC’s best in scoring defense, field goal percentage defense, 3pt field goal percentage defense, and defensive rebounding. Senior guard Gamaun Boykin finished fourth in the conference with 30 steals and sophomore forward Matt Poquette finished fifth in the conference with 21 blocks in GNAC play.
Besides serving as the defensive coordinator, Church’s other priorities are recruiting & academics. The Wildcats have placed eight players on the All-GNAC list during his tenure. In 2021, senior guard Xavier Smith was crowned GNAC MVP and unanimous first team All-GNAC. Last season, the Wildcats tied for a GNAC best: four All-GNAC performers. In the classroom, the Wildcats have won four straight GNAC Academic Conference Championships for the highest team GPA. In 2019, the Wildcats won the GNAC Academic Conference Championship for the first time in program history.
Prior to CWU, Church spent seven years at Lewis-Clark State College. During Church’s tenure with the Warriors, LCSC advanced to the NAIA National Tournament five times, including a Sweet 16 berth during the 2015-16 season, while also claiming three Frontier Conference regular-season titles and two tournament championships. He helped the Warriors to the best winning percentage (.852) in program history in 2015-16 and one of four top seeds at the national tournament that season as well.
In addition to coaching nine NAIA All-Americans and 20 All-Conference performers, Church helped LCSC to an 18-0 start and a No. 3 national ranking in 2013. Most notably, former Warrior & Frontier Conference Player of the Year, Jacob Wiley signed a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association in 2017.
During his summers at Lewis-Clark State College, Church was involved with one of the best AAU programs in the Pacific Northwest, Select Basketball. Church was the head coach of the Select Basketball “White” 17U team located in Boise, Idaho. During his time with Select Basketball, Church worked with 50+ student athletes who went on to play college basketball.
During his playing career Church was an NWAC East Region all-conference and all-star game selection while at Columbia Basin College. He averaged 13 points, seven rebounds, and two assists as a sophomore at CBC.
Church earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration from Lewis-Clark State College in 2013 and a Master’s in Organizational Management from Wayne State College in 2015. He and his wife Chelsey reside in Ellensburg with their son, Niles.
