Kevin Walden
Head Coach Men's Basketball
Sports Information Director

Education
M.O.L. St. Ambrose University
B.A. Knox College

Contact Information
Phone:  828-771-3738
E-mail:  kwalden@warren-wilson.edu

Kevin Walden has been named the new head men's basketball coach and sports information director at Warren Wilson College.

Walden was chosen for the position after a nationwide search that attracted well over 100 applicants.

"Kevin Walden impressed the search committee and the basketball team with his knowledge of coaching and his playing experience," Enos said. "He is a true players' coach who will drive our student-athletes to achieve higher standards on and off the court, as well as elevate our program to a new level. Kevin is eager and well prepared to assume his first head collegiate coaching job, and Warren Wilson is fortunate to be the college."

Walden said, "I consider it an honor and privilege to be named the head coach and sports information director at Warren Wilson College. I want to thank President Sandy Pfeiffer and Stacey Enos for this great opportunity, and I am looking forward to working with them and the entire Warren Wilson community. I could not be more excited about this opportunity."

At St. Ambrose, Walden helped the Bees to a 33-30 record in his two years there, including a second-place finish in the Midwest Collegiate Conference in 2006-07. He recruited 40 players to St. Ambrose and coached two 1,000-point scorers. Walden served as the associate head coach in charge of the junior varsity program, recruiting, and the Ray Shovlain Fighting Bees basketball camp as well as serving as the lead assistant on the varsity. 

Before joining the St. Ambrose staff, Walden was an assistant men's basketball coach and sports information director at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., his alma mater. Walden served as the head junior varsity coach and recruiting coordinator at Knox College producing three 1,000 point scorers.  Walden also earned a varsity head coaching victory during his last season at Knox.  Filling in for head coach Tim Heimann, Walden led the Prairie Fire to a 91-79 victory over Ripon College.  The win marked the first victory for a Knox team at Ripon in thirty years.

As a player, Walden competed in every varsity game during his four years and his senior year was voted team captain, most valuable player, most valuable senior, most valuable offensive player and was the recipient of the Harley Knosher Award.

A native of Peoria, Ill., Walden holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Knox and a master's degree in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose. He is a 1997 graduate of Peoria Notre Dame High School.

In his new position at Warren Wilson College, Walden will be responsible for the oversight and operation of the men's basketball program as well as the college's sports information office.

Brian Rannie
Men's Basketball
Assistant Coach

Education
B.S. College of Charleston
Post Bac Western Washington University

Contact Information
Phone:  828-771-3738
E-mail:  brian.rannie@gmail.com

Jay Lively
Men's Basketball
Assistant Coach

Education
B.A. Warren Wilson College
B.A. Western Kentucky University

Contact Information
Phone:  828-771-3738
E-mail:  jeromylively@hotmail.com

Former Warren Wilson guard Jay Lively enters his 9th year involved in the Fighting Owls men's basketball program having previously been a player (4 years), assistant coach ( 4 years), and head coach (1 year).  He serves as a special assistant to head coach Kevin Walden and recruiter.

During his four-year playing career, Jay was a four-year varsity player and reipient of the Coaches Award during his senior year.   He has been instrumental in the developement of the Owls men's basketball program over the last 12 years. 

"Jay has done an outstanding job as a coach and spokesperson for Warren Wilson basketball," stated Walden.  "He is a proud Warren Wilson alum and no one knows the school better than him.  Jay has an excellent rapport with our players and is a key part of our program."