This is Austin Parkinson's first season at IPFW.

Parkinson comes to IPFW after spending the last two seasons as the graduate assistant coach at the University of Indianapolis.

Parkinson, a former Purdue University basketball letterwinner, finished his Boilermaker career in 2003-04 tied for 10th on the school's all-time assist list. Parkinson led the team in assists both his sophomore (140) and senior (119) campaigns. He also led the Big Ten in assist-to-turnover ratio three years straight.

The Kokomo, Indiana native graduated from Northwestern High School where he was a four-time team MVP and a two-time Nike All-America. He is the school's all-time leader in steals, assists, and points.

"Austin has a great basketball background," Fife noted. "Having played at Purdue and worked at the University of Indianapolis, he understands the level of commitment it takes to be successful at this level. I am excited about him joining our program here at IPFW and his continued growth in the coaching profession."

Parkinson's father, Bruce, also played at Purdue and is the University's all-time assists leader with 690 and is a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Parkinson's grandfather, Jack, also was a basketball standout, playing for Adolph Rupp's legendary Kentucky teams. He is enshrined in the Kentucky and Indiana Basketball Halls of Fame.