Grinnell College Athletics Hall of Fame
David Arseneault etched his name in history during his time at Grinnell by inventing the fast-paced style of basketball play known as “The System,” which garnered international acclaim.
In 29 seasons with the Grinnell College basketball team, Arseneault and his teams led an all-out assault on the NCAA statistical record book in several offensive categories. The Pioneers led the nation in scoring during 20 of those seasons. A five-time Midwest Conference Coach of the Year, Arseneault finished with 343 victories at Grinnell—ranking fourth all-time in the MWC. In conference play, he collected 230 wins.
Arseneault came to Grinnell in the early 1990s, taking over a basketball team that hadn’t posted a winning record in decades. In just a few years, his squad went 13–8, and two years later, in 1996, he led the Pioneers to their first MWC title in more than 35 years. His teams went on to win four more MWC crowns and advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament twice. He coached players to All-America honors four times and All-Region accolades 13 times.
Grinnell teams and players from Arseneault’s coaching era still hold 34 NCAA records, including the all-time career scoring leader, Grinnell College Hall of Famer John Grotberg. Arseneault also coached his son, David Arseneault Jr., a record-holder for assists who is now the team’s head coach.
Arseneault’s versatility extended to other areas, as he coached Grinnell’s women’s golf team to five MWC titles and two trips to the NCAA Division III Championships, as well as a conference crown in women’s tennis.
In retirement, Arseneault continues to live in Grinnell with his wife, Ellie. Their two children, David (and wife, Rachel) and Jennie (and husband, Larry) have added seven grandchildren to the mix, and they love nothing more than to dote on them.
