Career Timeline of Pat Kelsey: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Pat Kelsey built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Pat Kelsey is an American college basketball coach, currently the head coach at the University of Louisville. He has a track record of head coaching experience, previously leading the College of Charleston and Winthrop University basketball programs. His career is focused on coaching men's basketball at the collegiate level.
1994: Transferred to Xavier
In 1994, Patrick Kelsey transferred to Xavier University where he played basketball for three seasons.
2009: Coached James Johnson - NBA Draft
In 2009, as an assistant, Patrick Kelsey coached James Johnson, who was selected as the 17th overall draft pick by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Draft.
2010: Ranked Among Top Assistants
In 2010, College Bound Hoops ranked Patrick Kelsey eighth in the nation among college basketball assistants.
2010: Coached Al-Farouq Aminu - NBA Draft
In 2010, as an assistant, Patrick Kelsey coached Al-Farouq Aminu, who was drafted eighth overall by the L.A. Clippers in the NBA Draft.
December 2012: Impassioned Speech on Sandy Hook Shooting
In December 2012, after a game against Ohio State, Patrick Kelsey gave an impassioned speech about the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting, calling for change.
March 1, 2014: Honoring Sandy Hook Victims
On March 1, 2014, the family of a Sandy Hook victim was honored at an Eagles basketball game, and each Winthrop player wore the name of a child killed at Sandy Hook on the back of their jersey.
2014: Big South Tournament Title Game
In 2014, Patrick Kelsey's Winthrop team made it to the Big South Conference tournament title game.
2016: Big South Regular Season Championship
In 2016, Patrick Kelsey's Winthrop team claimed a share of the Big South regular season championship.
2017: Hired at UMass, Returned to Winthrop
In 2017, Patrick Kelsey was hired as the head coach at Massachusetts but returned to Winthrop two days later, citing personal reasons.
2017: Big South Championship
In 2017, Patrick Kelsey's Winthrop team claimed the Big South Conference Championship and made it to the Big South Conference tournament title game.
2019: Big South Regular Season Championship
In 2019, Patrick Kelsey's Eagles team secured the Big South regular season championship.
2020: NCAA Tournament Canceled
In 2020, Patrick Kelsey's Eagles team won the Big South conference championship, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament, which was later canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Big South Championship
In 2020, Patrick Kelsey's Winthrop team claimed the Big South Conference Championship.
March 25, 2021: Named Head Coach at College of Charleston
On March 25, 2021, Patrick Kelsey announced he was leaving Winthrop to become head coach at the College of Charleston.
2021: Big South Championship
In 2021, Patrick Kelsey's Winthrop team claimed the Big South Conference Championship.
2022: Cougars won Charleston Classic Tournament
In 2022, Patrick Kelsey led the Cougars to win the local Charleston Classic Tournament for the first time in program history.
November 19, 2023: Fastest to 50 Wins
On November 19, 2023, Patrick Kelsey became the program's fastest head coach to reach 50 wins, doing so against Coastal Carolina.
2023: 20-Game Win Streak
In 2023, Patrick Kelsey led the Cougars through a 20-game win streak to defeat rival UNC Wilmington in the CAA Tournament and eventually fell to National Runner-Up San Diego State in the NCAA Tournament.
March 7, 2024: Coastal Athletic Association Coach of the Year
On March 7, 2024, Patrick Kelsey was named the Coastal Athletic Association Coach of the Year.
March 28, 2024: Named Head Coach at Louisville
On March 28, 2024, Patrick Kelsey was named the head men's basketball coach at Louisville, agreeing to a five-year contract.
2025: First Victory at Virginia Since 1990
In 2025, Patrick Kelsey led Louisville to their first victory at rival Virginia since 1990.
