West Chester University Men’s Basketball has announced the promotion of Benjamin Kay to Associate Head Coach, recognizing his continued impact on the development of Golden Ram student-athletes and his role alongside Head Coach Damien Blair in the growth and success of the program.
Throughout his tenure at West Chester, Kay has worked closely with Blair in nearly every area of the program, with a particular emphasis on recruiting, teaching and player development. His ability to build relationships with student-athletes and help them improve both on and off the court has made him an important part of the program’s culture.
“Not many people possess the ability to impact every aspect of a program. Ben does,” Blair said. “He connects with our players, teaches the game and understands what we’re trying to build. His ability to help our players develop while also managing so many areas of our program made this promotion an easy decision.”
Since returning to West Chester in 2021, Kay has assisted Blair and the Golden Rams staff in developing a long list of accomplished student-athletes, including the program’s all-time assists leader, a PSAC Defensive Player of the Year and numerous All-PSAC selections. During that span, West Chester has also captured three PSAC East regular-season championships, earned an NCAA Tournament appearance and produced multiple 20-win seasons.
For Kay, however, his connection to West Chester extends beyond basketball.
“I absolutely love this university, our administration, the West Chester community and our alumni,” Kay said. “I’m incredibly thankful to Coach Blair for believing in me and helping me grow as a coach. West Chester has become a second home for me and my family, and I’m excited to continue helping our student-athletes grow on and off the court.”
Kay’s history with Blair and the Golden Rams dates back to 2015, when he first joined the West Chester staff. During his initial two-year stint, he assisted with a program that reached the NCAA Tournament and helped recruit and develop both a PSAC Freshman of the Year and PSAC Defensive Player of the Year.
After gaining additional experience at Penn State Brandywine and Rider University, Kay returned to West Chester in 2021. His expanded responsibilities have included player development, recruiting, fundraising, camps and daily program operations. He has also played an important role in supporting Blair’s vision for the program and maintaining relationships with players, alumni and the greater West Chester community.
“The basketball program and West Chester community are fortunate to have Ben,” Blair added. “He’s a mentor, a friend and a great basketball mind who is passionate about changing lives. He makes the people around him better, and that’s what makes him so valuable to our program.”
Kay holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from West Chester University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Drexel University. His commitment to mentorship and service also extends internationally through his work with the Treasure Beach Jamaican Youth Basketball Camp, which he co-founded and has helped lead since 2012.
