Graceland University has announced the promotion of Tom Shore to head coach of the men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs, effective immediately. Shore, a 2016 Graceland graduate, has been a vital part of the university’s track and cross country coaching staff since 2016.

Shore will now oversee all aspects of the track and field programs while continuing in his current role as head coach of the men’s and women’s cross country teams.

“We are excited to announce Tom as the next head coach of our men’s and women’s track and field teams to go along with his role as the head coach of our cross country programs,” said Athletic Director Brady McKillip. “Tom has been a valued assistant to our track programs over the past few years, and we feel he is ready to step in and lead them. We look forward to helping him round out his staff over the next few weeks.”

Shore has spent the last nine years working with Graceland’s high jump, pole vault, and distance student-athletes, producing multiple NAIA All-Americans and national champions. Among his most notable coaching accomplishments is the development of Michael Millslagle, a two-time NAIA national champion, six-time All-American, and 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier in the high jump. Under Shore’s guidance, Millslagle also set the NAIA outdoor national record and competed in the Drake Relays Elite Section and Kansas Relays.

Shore’s impact has extended to the international stage as well. He served as a Team USA coach at the 2022 FISU America Games in Mérida, Mexico, where Millslagle won gold in the high jump and set the meet record. Shore also represented Team USA at the 2023 FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China, where both Millslagle and Sidney Gilliland qualified and competed on the world stage.

Shore’s coaching résumé also includes mentoring Ashlynn Perkins, Keagan Perkins, Dillon Grover, and Suzanne Guerrero—all of whom achieved national-level success and significant personal growth under his direction.

“After being able to learn from so many amazing coaches, as well as being an alumnus of Graceland, I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead both programs,” Shore said. “I would like to thank Athletic Director Brady McKillip, President Joel Shrock, and the rest of the Graceland community for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started on building a program we’re all proud of — and proud to be a part of.”

A former NAIA national qualifier in the pole vault, Shore earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in human services from Graceland in 2016. He has continued his professional development through the USTFCCCA, USATF Level 1 certification, and coursework in sports psychology.

Graceland Athletics expects to finalize Shore’s track and field coaching staff in the coming weeks as preparations begin for the 2025-26 season.

For more information on Graceland track and field and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.