
via Imago
Credit: Imago

via Imago
Credit: Imago
When Grant McCasland was hired in 2017 by North Texas, he inherited one of the lowest-winning programs in NCAA history. North Texas had never won an NCAA national postseason game till then. However, by 2023, he had led the Mean Green to two conference championships and an NIT title with a .675 winning percentage, the highest in program history. Now in the helm of Texas Tech, his story is one to take note.
But off the court, McCasland’s story is one about family, particularly his wife, Cece McCasland. Their romance is a tale of faith and love and shared passions that should be equally as familiar to many people. Let’s now dive into more details.
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What is Cece’s Family Background?
Cece McCasland is much more than just Grant’s wife and her own story is quite intriguing. Born and raised in Irving, Texas, she grew up in a family rooted in faith and sports. “My dad’s from Boston, so we throw hockey in the mix,” she says, along with basketball and soccer. The blend of sports in her family helped define Cece and establish a foundation for a multi-faceted life.
How did Grant McCasland and Cece meet?
Grant and Cece’s love story begins in church. Cece and Grant both went to different Baptist churches, but Cece’s youth pastor, Keith Smith, was hired on by Grant’s father at Plymouth Park Baptist Church, which led to them meeting and becoming friends. Little did they know, their friendship that began in Bible studies, weekend retreats, and youth group events would turn into a beautiful love story. It wasn’t love at first sight. Cece and Grant both dated other people throughout high school, but they ran in the same groups and even shared limos to prom with different dates.
Finally, their lives intersected again when Grant was serving on the same Texas Tech basketball staff as the Director of Operations (1999-2001).

via Imago
Credit: Imago
Cece, who was a Red Raiders at that time, picked up the phone one day when it was ringing for her roommate, and wouldn’t you know it, Grant was on the other end, sheepishly admitting his crush. A few months later, Cece and Grant became a couple. They married in 2001 and have since been bound on a path of collective achievements.
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What is Cece’s background and career?
Cece’s career may be just as impressive as Grant’s coaching career. Cece played collegiate soccer for Texas Tech (1996-1999). Before she eventually became a full-time mom and supporting wife to her husband.
In 2024, Cece announced that she would co-open an indoor rock climbing gym in Lubbock, Texas. The facility is expected to open in late 2025, and Cece will co-open the gym with two other partner families.
How is Grant McCasland and Cece’s Life as a Couple?
If there is one thing that is clear about Cece and Grant McCasland, it is that their relationship is rooted in faith and family. They met while in church, their love grew through shared experiences and they have cultivated a solid marriage built on respect, love and support. Their love has also created a beautiful family of four. Two daughters; Amaris and Jersey and two sons; Jett and Beckett.
In addition to their strong marriage, it is equally refreshing how important family is to both Grant and Cece. It is obvious that coaching is demanding and time-consuming, but the McCaslands include the kids in team practices and make sure that time spent with family is always a priority. Family is always first for the McCaslands.
What is Cece’s role in their family?
Cece’s role in her family can’t be reduced to that of a supporting character in her husband’s endeavors. She’s the emotional grounding presence that the entire family depends on. While Grant is occupied by his ever-consuming position, Cece manages the everyday home life of raising four children and six miniature donkeys.
From a young age, she was taught by her youth pastor “everything about a personal walk with God.” Ever since, she has applied those lessons to her roles as a mother, a wife, and a spiritual leader for their family. She is their glue, their fortress, and her position is vital to maintaining an emotionally and spiritually healthy household.
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What is Cece’s Ethnicity?
Texas men’s basketball coach Grant McCasland’s wife, Cece McCasland, is of Caucasian ethnicity. Cece’s ancestry details are not available in the public domain, so additional information about their family cannot be provided. The demographic breakdown for Texas fits who she is, as she holds extensive Texas roots.
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What is Cece’s Religion?
Both Cece and Grant are led by their Faith. The couple met through church activities; their Christian faith is a cornerstone in their relationship. Cece comes from a religious background and says a pastor from her youth taught her how to “walk with God.” And, as Grant has said, reconnecting with Cece during the COVID-19 lockdown helped him rediscover his purpose — a purpose that is “greater than just winning games.” Faith isn’t just a part of the McCaslands’ lives; it’s a guiding force that influences their decisions and bolsters their bond.
Ultimately, there’s much more to Cece McCasland than being the wife of one of the most successful coaches. She’s a committed partner, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a spiritual leader. Both Cece and Grant McCasland show what love, faith and dedication can do for someone’s life and it’s clear to see that the pair make nothing short of a winning team. Even more so, both on and off the court.
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"Can a strong family foundation be the secret weapon for a coach's success on the court?"