Joseph B. Kennedy '02

Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, College of the Holy Cross
March 2016

With a new coaching position, an upcoming wedding and a recently clinched spot in the NCAA Tournament, 2016 is shaping up to be a year Joe Kennedy ’02 isn’t likely to forget.

In just his first season as an assistant men’s basketball coach under Bill Carmody at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, Kennedy has helped the Crusaders secure a trip to the NCAA Tournament. This is team's first appearance in the tourney since 2007 and its thirteenth overall.

On Wednesday, March 16, the Crusaders defeated Southern University 59-55 in the NCAA Tournament’s First Four in Dayton, Ohio. They now advance to face No. 1 seed Oregon on Friday, March 18.

“Our run to the NCAA Tournament has been historic,” Kennedy says. Earlier this month Holy Cross closed out an impressive performance in the Patriot League Tournament with a 59-56 victory over No. 2 seed Lehigh University in what became its league-best sixth conference title. Although Holy Cross entered the tournament as the No. 9 seed, the team defeated the two top seeds and was the first team in conference history to win four tournament games—all on the road. The Patriot League Tournament championship earned Holy Cross an automatic bid to the 2016 NCAA Tournament.

The Crusaders continue to chase their 1947 National Championship—when they defeated Oklahoma 58-47—in hopes of taking another title. Is this the year? As March Madness fans know well, anything could happen.

Of his time as a Rambler, Kennedy reflects, “My faith and morals were shaped at Loyola.” Kennedy did service work in West Virginia, participated in Kairos retreats and played on the basketball team. “I can’t stress the amazing friendships I had at Loyola and continue to this day. Those four years shaped my life in an amazing way.”

Kennedy remembers, in particular, the 2000–01 season during his junior year when the team went 23-6. “We won the Catholic League championship, and we won our regional,” Kennedy explains. “I have so many terrific memories from that year and multiple games that stand out nearly 15 years later.”

When a rigorous practice and game schedule challenged the team, Kennedy remembers turning to his coaches—John O’Loughlin ‘59, Tom Livatino and Bret Just—for support, just as his players now turn to him. “All three men shaped me as a player and taught me how to act off the court. I am still close with all three to this day, and I am forever grateful that they were my coaches.” Kennedy adds, “Seeing Coach O battling his own obstacles with a positive outlook left an impact on the group. Coach O was our inspiration.”

After Loyola, Kennedy went on to forge a successful basketball career at Northwestern University playing for coach Bill Carmody, his mentor under whose direction Kennedy now works. At Northwestern, Kennedy was named team captain his senior season, was a four-year letterman and earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition three times. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in education and social policy in 2007.

Kennedy calls the years following his collegiate success “a whirlwind”—and rightfully so. He worked as special assistant to the president at Hoop Group, a company that provides comprehensive basketball instruction, competition and exposure to players and coaches and has been owned and operated by the Kennedy family for over 50 years. In fact, the Kennedy family has a proud history of excellence in and service to the game. Joe’s father, Pat Kennedy, was a head men’s basketball coach with a career spanning 33 years at Iona College (1980–86), Florida State (1986–97), DePaul University (1997–2002), University of Montana (2002–04), Towson University (2004–11) and Pace University (2013–15).

After Hoop Group, Kennedy spent eighteen months working on the Obama for America presidential campaign as part of the field operations based primarily in Iowa. Following this, he served on the Obama Transition Team and was then a special assistant for the Office of Public Engagement at the White House where he focused on outreach to youth, amateur and professional sports organizations. During this time Kennedy built a coalition among the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, PGA, USOC and the NCAA to align with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign.

In 2010, Kennedy returned to Northwestern where he served as director of men’s basketball operations, a role that he held until 2013 when he took over as director of player personnel under Craig Robinson at Oregon State University.

During the 2014–15 season, Kennedy was video coordinator for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings under coaches Michael Malone, Tyrone Corbin and George Karl. In Kennedy’s current position as assistant men’s basketball coach at Holy Cross, his responsibilities include scouting, game preparation and player development. “It’s been a whirlwind the last few years in politics and basketball, but I am thrilled to be at Holy Cross now,” says Kennedy.

A fresh start at Holy Cross brings with it the familiarity of the Jesuit ideals Kennedy developed as a student at Loyola. “The Jesuit tradition of service and the mission of loving others everyday has stayed with me,” he comments. “Holy Cross embodies these same principles and has the same mission to shape young lives in the tradition of St. Ignatius.”

Kennedy will wed fiance Karlee Butler this May, and the couple is looking forward to bringing their family and friends together in Dallas for the weekend-long celebration. “Seven of my groomsmen are guys I went to Loyola with. And many other guests will be Ramblers,” Kennedy says. “Those friendships and relationships are lifelong, and I am grateful for them all.”

Keep up with Coach Joe Kennedy ’02 on Twitter and see the Crusaders’ latest news and highlights here.

Back

Joseph B. Kennedy '02

Loyola Academy