Blaze Shade is the head coach of the King University Tornado men’s wrestling program. He joined the King staff prior to the 2023–24 season, bringing a strong background as both a former standout collegiate wrestler and experienced coach.

Recent Seasons as Head Coach

• 2023–24: In his first season, Shade led the Tornado to a 9–7 overall record and a fourth-place finish at the inaugural Conference Carolinas dual championships. He earned his first career win on November 8, 2023, in a thrilling 23–22 victory over No. 18 Belmont Abbey. The Tornado dropped just three conference matches all season and finished strong with eight conference wins. King produced two NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships qualifiers in Ethan Lopez and Franky Medina, along with eight Super Region II placers and one All-Conference Carolinas selection.
• During his tenure, Shade has quickly established a competitive program focused on dual-meet success, regional performance, and national qualification.

Pre-King Coaching Experience

Shade most recently served as head coach at Bluefield State University for three years. He was the first head coach in the history of the men’s wrestling program, which launched in 2020 and began competing in 2021–22. Under his leadership, the Big Blue produced two Super Region III placers in just their second season and had one wrestler earn NWCA Academic All-America honors. Shade also helped design the program’s wrestling room and weight room facilities.

Prior to Bluefield State, Shade spent three seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, UNC Pembroke. He helped guide the Braves to the 2020 Super Region II championship and two South Atlantic Conference Carolinas (SACC) titles. During that time, UNC Pembroke produced six All-Americans, 18 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships qualifiers, and 21 NWCA Academic All-America honorees.

While at UNC Pembroke, Shade also served as head coach of the North Carolina Pride Wrestling Club, where he developed wrestlers ages 4–18 through strength training, conditioning, and nutrition programs.

Education and Personal

Shade graduated from UNC Pembroke in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. As a wrestler for the Braves, he was a four-time NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships qualifier, a three-time All-American, and a national finalist in both 2016 and 2017. He was named Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Wrestler of the Year in 2016.

Shade brings elite wrestling pedigree, program-building experience, and a commitment to both athletic and academic excellence to the King University wrestling program.