Kyle Blackbourn, who has spent the last eight seasons on the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball staff, has been named as the new head coach for the Rockhurst men’s basketball program.
“We had a national search with a large volume of applicants,” said Rockhurst Director of Athletics Kristy Bayer. “Kyle rose to the top based on his involvement with recruitment, competitive success at all levels, and passion for Rockhurst.”
“Kyle has been a part of a well-respected program in the University of Wisconsin under the tremendous leadership of Coach Greg Gard. Kyle will provide energy and enthusiasm to our program. I am looking forward to the future of Hawks’ basketball under Kyle’s direction.”
Blackbourn has served the past four years as the director of recruiting and scouting for the Badgers, while also assisting Greg Gard and the coaching staff. He was Wisconsin’s assistant director of basketball operations in his first four years in Madison.
“I am humbled and honored to be named the next head men’s basketball coach at Rockhurst University,” Blackbourn said. “I want to thank Kristy Bayer, Rockhurst President Dr. Cassady, and all of the members of the hiring committee for entrusting me with this opportunity.”
Prior to going to Wisconsin in 2016, Blackbourn was an assistant coach at Rockhurst under head coach Drew Diener in 2015-16. The Hawks ranked third in the GLVC in scoring defense that season.
“We are going to work diligently to build a program that our alumni and university will be proud of, with student-athletes that are easy to cheer for on and off the court. I’m thrilled to be back at Rockhurst and can’t wait to get to work,” Blackbourn said.
During Blackbourn’s time at Wisconsin, the Badgers won two Big Ten regular season championships and played in five NCAA Tournaments. Wisconsin made an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in 2017 and advanced to the NIT Final Four in 2023.
“I would also like to thank Coach Gard and the entire Wisconsin Basketball family. The last eight seasons with the Badgers have been an unbelievable experience for my family and me,” added Blackbourn.
Blackbourn was the head coach at Delta College in Michigan in 2014-15, leading the Pioneers to a 19-13 record. He also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Benedictine College after serving in the same role at Grand View University in Iowa in 2011-12.
A native of Shullsburg, Wisconsin, Blackbourn earned a physical education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2011. He also received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Benedictine College in 2014.
Wisconsin assistant Blackbourn named Head Basketball Coach at D2 Rockhurst
