Men’s and women’s basketball teams returning

Westchester Community College has announced the return of its men’s and women’s basketball teams with the new seasons beginning later this year. New coaches have been hired and were introduced at a press conference on Wednesday, July 26 at 10:00 a.m. in the Hartford Hall Boardroom on the college’s Valhalla campus.

A national search attracted more than two hundred highly qualified applicants including former professional basketball players and highly touted coaches from a variety of competitive levels. Sean Kelly has been named the men’s coach and Nesta Felix has been tabbed as the women’s coach.

“This promises to be an enriching experience for many of our students, not only those who will field the teams,” says Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President, Westchester Community College. “The student athletes will have an opportunity to showcase their skills on the court, while their fellow students will be able to show their enthusiasm and exhibit school spirit during the upcoming season. This will truly enhance the overall college experience for all,” she adds.

“I am pleased to be able to announce that basketball is returning to Westchester Community College,” says the college’s Athletic Director Mike Belfiore. “We have begun to recruit players for both teams and look forward to the fall when our student-athletes will again be able to compete against other institutions in the region.”

Kelly, whose Bronx Community College teams posted a 74-43 record over five seasons, advancing to an NJCAA regional title game and two regional Final Fours, also coached at Bergen Community College. At that New Jersey institution, he led the team to an undefeated 30-0 regular season campaign (2009). Prior to Bergen, he was an assistant coach at Mercy College. Kelly earned his BA at the University of Scranton and his Masters at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Felix was the women’s basketball coach at Yeshiva University (2012-2015) and was named the Hudson Valley Athletic Conference Co-Coach of the Year (2014). She also has coached at Woodlands High School in Hartsdale, New York (15-5 record), currently coaches a Scarsdale, New York Eighth Grade Tri-County girls basketball team (2011 to present), and was assistant women’s basketball coach at Monroe College (2002-2008). She received her BA from Iona College and her Masters at Monroe College.

This fall marks the return of the men’s and women’s basketball after a two-year hiatus. Both teams will compete at the Division Two level. Practices for the new teams begin in October with the regular season games commencing in November 2017.

Members of the press were invited to a press conference at the college on Wednesday, July 26 at which time the details of the new coaches and dates for upcoming games were announced. Meanwhile, prospective college students  interested in trying out for the teams should contact Westchester Community College’s new Athletic Director at [email protected].

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the most affordable tuition rates in New York State. WCC offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Westchester Community College Foundation

Since its founding in 1969, Westchester Community College Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) has raised funds to meet college and student needs not covered by public funds, distributing over $2 million in scholarships annually. Through its fundraising and programmatic activities, the Foundation supports the college’s efforts to provide access to quality education and skills for success.