Bio

Coach Jesse Ward is entering his first season with the KCC women's basketball program. Coach Ward brings decades of basketball knowledge, athletic experience, and player-focused leadership to the program. A standout athlete himself, Jesse played three years of varsity basketball at Plainwell High School before earning a scholarship to Kalamazoo Valley Community College where he competed for two seasons. His success continued at the four-year level with another scholarship to Saginaw Valley State University. 

His deep understanding of the game translates seamlessly into coaching, where he has served as an assistant coach at Plainwell High School for 15 years. He also coached the professional team, Kalamazoo Pure, for a year and helped them earn the number one spot in the nation for seven consecutive weeks.

Beyond the court, Coach Ward is a seasoned personal trainer with 30 years of experience helping athletes build strength, confidence, and long-term wellness. His passion for player development, discipline, and teamwork continues to shape the athletes he works with each season.