Kevin Lynch, who built a reputation as one of the most successful and respected AAU coaches in the nation for nearly two decades, and the lead national talent evaluator for the Annual Blue Star Report since 2007, became a member of the Seahawk staff in May, 2013.
Since 1995, Lynch has served in various coaching and administrative positions for the renowned Philadelphia Belles Women’s Basketball Program, which is in elite category as one of just 24 NIKE-sponsored AAU programs in the United States.
From 1996-2000, Lynch served as an assistant coach for the Belles before being elevated to head coach in 2001. He guided the Belles to three national championship games, winning the title in 2003 before finishing as national runner-up in 2005 and 2006. He remained in his capacity as head coach until 2008 when he was tabbed Executive Coach.
During his effective and productive tenure with the Belles, Lynch contributed to the success of the program on a variety of levels while serving as a mentor to a host of basketball coaches at both the high school and collegiate level.
The dedication to his craft enabled Lynch to serve as a catalyst for more than 50 young women who went on to earn Division I basketball scholarships at colleges and universities across the country. Included among those are Nine McDonald’s All-Americans, seven Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-Americans and 12 Parade All-Americans.
“Kevin is a very loyal, hard-working and extremely talented coach, recruiter and evaluator of talent, and someone who I’ve known and trusted for more than 20 years,” said Cermignano. “He’s known throughout the country as being one the best in the game. His expertise, maturity and passion for the game make him a natural fit to complete our staff and aid us on our journey towards a Northeast Conference Championship."
Eight of his former players have become professional basketball players while seven are currently serving as women’s basketball coaches. Many of his former players are making an impact in the private sector, as doctors, healthcare and business professionals, lawyers, teachers, and community volunteers.
Since 2007, Lynch has been entrusted to rate the nation’s top high school girls’ players in his role as National Talent Evaluator for the Blue Star Report, a tool for Division I, II, III, NAIA and junior college coaches that concisely evaluates and ranks all prospective women’s basketball players in the country by graduating class.
He has also served as a coach and committee member for a myriad of organizations, including being a member of the coaching staff at the Nike All-American camp and Nike Skills Clinic and a member of the McDonald’s High School All-American committee.
From 1990-2000, the civic-minded Lynch mentored hundreds of local youth, both on and off the court, while volunteering his time to Fox-Rok Athletic Association. A non-profit, community-based, volunteer organization, Fox-Rok’s mission is to offer a fun experience in athletic activities to boys and girls of the Fox Chase and Rockledge neighborhoods in Philadelphia. In 1995, Lynch was recognized by the local community with the Eddie Polec Memorial Award for his service to the youth of Fox Chase.
A Philadelphia, PA native, Lynch and his wife Terry are the proud parents of three daughters; Shannon Lynch-Wittenzellner, Kimberly McFarland and Stephanie Lynch.
What They Are Saying about Kevin Lynch
“Kevin Lynch has been one of my most trusted friends on the basketball scene for years now. He has more than earned this opportunity and I know he’s going to do a terrific job. All of our Maryland players that were Philly Belles hold him in the highest regard. He’s a wonderful dad, husband, friend and he’s a great addition for the Wagner program.”
- Brenda Frese, Head Coach, University of Maryland, 2006 National Champions
“Kevin Lynch is an absolutely fantastic hire for Wagner women’s basketball. His reputation as a coach, talent evaluator, and mentor to young women will allow him to instantly impact the Seahawks. I look forward to seeing Lisa, Kevin and the rest of the staff competing for NEC championships in the very near future."
- Kevin McGuff, Head Coach, The Ohio State University
“Kevin Lynch is highly-respected in the coaching community, in particular for his passion and dedication to growing the game. He has a strong work ethic and has all the tools to be a very successful collegiate coach.”
- Coquese Washington, Head Coach, Penn State University
