By: Mark Wasik
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Tianni Kelly has been named the ninth head coach in Kennesaw State women's basketball history, Director of Athletics
Milton Overton announced Monday, pending university background check and USG approval.
Kelly takes over after spending the past two seasons as the associate head coach at Chattanooga, helping the Mocs to a regular season championship and a pair of postseason appearances. Prior to that, she had a 10-year stint at the Division II level as both an assistant coach and head coach. Known as a strong recruiter and developer of talent, she most recently helped sign a four-star prospect, coached five All-Americans, and two professional athletes. As a head coach, she brings three deep NCAA DII tournament runs, three championships, and a trio of Coach of the Year awards.
"We are thrilled to welcome Tianni Kelly as our new head coach. She owns a proven track record of winning as a head coach and a genuine ability to connect with and develop student-athletes. Coach Kelly represents exactly what we envisioned for our program. We look forward to watching her build a championship culture here at Kennesaw State," said Overton.
"We also want to extend our sincere thanks to Parker Executive Search for their work in this process. We received tremendous interest in the position, and we are excited for Coach Kelly to hit the ground running during an exciting time in our school's history."
In her two years at Chattanooga, the Mocs made a second-round appearance in the 2025 WNIT along with this year's trip to the WBIT after claiming the Southern Conference regular season championship. She coached eight All-SoCon selections, as well as the 2026 SoCon Player of the Year Caia Elisaldez. Chattanooga went 37-26 in her two years with the program, as well as 19-9 in conference play. She was also involved in recruiting, highlighted by signing a four-star player for the 2026 recruiting class.
"To be named head coach at Kennesaw State University is the fulfillment of so many prayers that have been prayed," said Kelly. "I give all glory to God for this opportunity, without Him I would not be in this position. Thank you so much to President Kat Schwaig,
Milton Overton, Jessica Reo and
Tierra Thompson for believing in me and trusting me to lead this program.
"I would be remiss if I did not thank Mark Wharton, Laura Herron, Deandra Schirmer and the entire Chattanooga community, Bren Stevens and the entire Charleston community, my family, and every coach and player that I have had the privilege and opportunity to work with. I would not be in this position without each and every person that I have encountered on the way. I am so incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity and ready to take flight! Hooty Hoo!"
Prior to her time at Chattanooga, Kelly served four years as the head coach at her alma mater, the University of Charleston (WV), from 2021-24. She posted an impressive overall record of 85-32, 59-21 in Mountain East Conference play, while guiding the Golden Eagles to three consecutive NCAA Division II appearances. That includes back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances (2021, 2022) along with a trip to the Elite Eight in 2021. Charleston won a total of three conference championships with Kelly at the helm, taking the tournament title in 2022 while it swept the regular season and tournament titles in 2021. The Golden Eagles also claimed an Atlantic Region Tournament title during her four years on the bench.
"We are proud to welcome Tianni Kelly to Kennesaw State," said KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig. "Her winning track record as both a coach and a former student-athlete, along with her deep commitment to student success, reflects the values we champion at KSU. Her leadership will help us continue building momentum across our athletics programs, and we are delighted to have her join Owl Nation."
In her four years at Charleston, Kelly collected three Coach of the Year accolades, which included the 2020-21 Furfari West Virginia College Coach of the Year, given to the state's top college coach across all sports and divisions. Eight Golden Eagles received MEC All-Conference recognition along with a MEC Player of the Year and WBCA NCAA Division II All-American selection.
Before she returned to Charleston, she had already built an impressive resume at the Division II level as an assistant coach, playing a key role in sustained team success and individual player development. She helped guide her programs to two NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen run in 2019, while capturing back-to-back Sunshine State Conference regular season and tournament championships in 2018 (Florida Southern) and 2019 (Valdosta State). Kelly's impact extended to player accolades, as she coached a total of four WBCA All-Americans, a D2CCA Region Player of the Year, two Sunshine State Conference Players of the Year, and multiple all-conference and all-tournament honorees across several conferences. In recognition of her rising influence in the profession, she was named a WBCA Thirty Under 30 honoree in 2018.
Kelly's excellence on the hardwood started as a player at the University of Charleston. She helped the Golden Eagles to a pair of NCAA Division II tournament appearances along with a WVIAC regular season title. She played in 88 games before graduating in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in business and sport administration. Later she earned a master's degree from Charleston in business administration and leadership while serving as assistant coach for the Golden Eagles for the next three years.
Kelly inherits a Kennesaw State program entering its third season competing in Conference USA and 22nd in Division I. KSU women's basketball has tallied 657 all-time wins along with 12 All-American honors, six All-Region recognitions, 30 All-District recipients, and 67 All-Conference performers.
An opportunity for Owl Nation to meet coach Kelly in-person this week will be announced soon.
THE KELLY FILE
PERSONAL
Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio
Alma Mater: University of Charleston '14 (bachelor's degree in business administration & sport administration / master's in business administration & leadership)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2024-26: Chattanooga (Associate Head Coach)
2020-24: University of Charleston (WV) (Head Coach)
2019-20: Valdosta State (Assistant Coach)
2017-19: Florida Southern College (Assistant Coach)
2014-17: University of Charleston (WV) (Assistant Coach)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
2009-14: University of Charleston
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
