Orem, Utah, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Utah Valley University has announced the hiring of Jackson Kelly as its new Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the men’s basketball program. Kelly joins UVU after a successful tenure at Winthrop University, where he significantly contributed to the team’s record and performance. With a solid educational background in exercise science and experience in coaching various sports, Kelly is expected to enhance the athletic performance of the Wolverines in the upcoming seasons.
Orem, Utah — Jackson Kelly has been hired as the new Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Utah Valley University men’s basketball program, effective for the 2025–26 season. His appointment follows a successful stint at Winthrop University, where he worked with the men’s basketball program during the 2024–25 season.
During his time at Winthrop, Kelly made a significant impact as the men’s basketball team achieved a 23–11 record and advanced to the Big South Conference Championship game. In addition to his role with men’s basketball, Kelly contributed to various other sports programs, including women’s volleyball, women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf, and cross country.
Before joining Winthrop, Kelly interned as a strength and conditioning coach for the Clemson University men’s and women’s basketball programs in the 2023–24 season. Under his guidance, the Clemson men’s basketball team made an impressive run to the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Kelly has a strong academic background. He earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the College of Charleston and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Currently, Kelly is pursuing a master’s degree in sports and fitness administration from Winthrop University.
Utah Valley University’s head men’s basketball coach, Todd Phillips, expressed excitement regarding Kelly’s addition to the coaching staff, emphasizing his commitment and energy towards the program. This new chapter for Kelly offers him the opportunity to bring his skills and expertise to the Wolverines, coinciding with Utah Valley’s aspirations for success in upcoming seasons.
Kelly’s appointment signals a strategic move for Utah Valley University as they aim to enhance their basketball program’s performance and competitiveness in the collegiate sports landscape.
Kelly’s Career Overview
- Current Position: Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Utah Valley University Men’s Basketball Program
- Previous Position: Strength and Conditioning Coach, Winthrop University Men’s Basketball Program
- Record at Winthrop: 23–11; reached Big South Conference Championship Game
- Additional Responsibilities: Assisted with women’s volleyball, women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf, and cross country at Winthrop
- Internship: Strength and Conditioning Intern, Clemson University Men’s and Women’s Basketball Programs
- Achievement at Clemson: Helped men’s basketball team reach NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s Degree: Exercise Science, College of Charleston
- Certification: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- Currently Pursuing: Master’s Degree in Sports and Fitness Administration, Winthrop University
Coaching Philosophy and Future Outlook
With a track record of success at both Winthrop and Clemson, Kelly’s coaching philosophy focuses on enhancing athletes’ performance through tailored strength and conditioning programs. His future with Utah Valley University may lead to elevated performance standards and improved outcomes for the men’s basketball program, reflecting the university’s commitment to competitive excellence.
FAQ
Who is Jackson Kelly?
Jackson Kelly is the newly appointed Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Utah Valley University men’s basketball program, starting in the 2025–26 season.
What was Jackson Kelly’s experience before joining Utah Valley University?
Before his appointment, Kelly worked with the men’s basketball program at Winthrop University, where the team achieved a 23–11 record and advanced to the Big South Conference Championship game.
What additional responsibilities did Jackson Kelly have at Winthrop University?
In addition to men’s basketball, Kelly assisted with Winthrop’s women’s volleyball, women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf, and cross country programs.
Where did Jackson Kelly intern before Winthrop University?
Before Winthrop, Kelly served as a strength and conditioning intern with the Clemson University men’s and women’s basketball programs.
What academic qualifications does Jackson Kelly have?
Kelly earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the College of Charleston and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sports and fitness administration from Winthrop University.
Key Features of Jackson Kelly’s Appointment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Position | Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Utah Valley University Men’s Basketball Program |
| Previous Position | Strength and Conditioning Coach, Winthrop University Men’s Basketball Program |
| Record at Winthrop | 23–11; reached Big South Conference Championship Game |
| Internship | Clemson University Men’s and Women’s Basketball Programs |
| Educational Background | Bachelor’s in Exercise Science, College of Charleston; pursuing Master’s in Sports and Fitness Administration, Winthrop University |
| Certification | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), NSCA |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- GouvU: Men’s Basketball – Phillips Adds Jackson Kelly to Men’s Basketball Staff
- Wikipedia: Exercise Science
- Mid Utah Radio: UVU Men’s Basketball Adds New Strength Conditioning Coach
- Google Search: Strength and Conditioning Coaching
- Herald Extra: Utah Center Karram Transfers to Utah Valley
- Google Scholar: Strength and Conditioning in Sports
- BYU Cougars: Jay Omer to Retire After 43-Year Career in Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports Administration
- KSL Sports: Former BYU Head Coach Mark Pope Orem Home Sale
- Google News: Utah Valley University Basketball
