Pikeville, KY – University of Pikeville Director of Athletics Kelly Wells will join elite company later this spring, as one of 17 to be inducted into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame. Wells has made extensive contributions to Kentucky High School basketball both as an athlete and coach, spanning over 20 years.
The resume of the Rowan County native is tremendous, highlighted by feats such as being one of two in Kentucky HS basketball history to win a state title (Mason County, 2003) and national championship (UPIKE, 2011) as a coach. His impact extends far beyond the game of basketball and has solidified him as a legend in Eastern Kentucky.
"What an AMAZING & HUMBLING honor it is to be included in this class of Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame," said Wells. "I have been very blessed in my lifetime being surrounded by so many transformational people in my playing and coaching careers. A HUGE thank you to all the coaches, administrators, parents, players, teammates, communities, and influencers who were a huge part of this journey, I share this award with you!"
The Athlete
Kelly Wells grew up in Morehead, Ky. where basketball was in his blood. His father, Mickey Wells spent nearly a decade as the head coach for Morehead State Women's Basketball, winning several Coach of the Year awards, and an OVC Championship. His mother, Doris, was an Eagle as well and spent 27 years in administrative support at Morehead before retiring.
In prep, Wells aided Rowan County to three 16th Region Championships, finishing as the all-time leading scorer with 2,500 points and earned a pair of First-Team All-State distinctions (1989, 1990). Following the 1990 season, Wells was one of 11 players in the state to make the Kentucky All-Star Basketball team and was named 1st Team All-State by the Louisville Courier-Journal.
"I will be eternally grateful to my hometown of Morehead, KY, Morehead State University, and Rowan County HS for giving me the tools to be successful, I would be nothing had it not been for two amazing parents (Doris & Mickey Wells) who would have loved to celebrate with us all." said Wells.
In 1990, Wells began his collegiate playing career at the University of Tulsa before transferring closer to home at Morehead State University. Wells is now a member of Morehead State University's Hall of Fame after being inducted in 2018. Academically, Wells holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Education from MSU.
The Coach
After college, Wells coached from 1995-1997 at Marion County HS where he was named FCA Coach of the Year and 5th Region Coach of the Year.
Wells moved on to Mason County in 1997 and accumulated an impressive 172-56 record with the Royals that included three consecutive regional championships (2002, 2003, 2004). In 2003, the Royals claimed a state title before claiming state runner-up in 2004. His long list of accolades includes two-time Kentucky State Coach of the Year, three-time Region Coach of the Year, and is now a 10th Region Hall of Famer.
Also in 2004 Wells served as the head coach for the Historic Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Classic and a year later he was inducted into the KY Lions Eye Foundation Basketball All-Star Hall of Fame.
Rick Bentley, who is currently an Assistant Professor in UPIKE's Sports Management program, has covered and been a friend to Wells for decades. "I covered Coach when he was playing at Rowan County in three straight Sweet 16s, and he was everyone's favorite, and that didn't change when he won the state title or when he moved to the collegiate level," said Bentley.
In 2006, Wells made his move to Pikeville to take the reigns of the men's basketball program where he would coach for 14 illustrious seasons. Wells and staff helped shape the Bears into a national powerhouse at the NAIA level, totaling eight NAIA Tournament appearances. The 2010-11 season saw the Bears go 30-7, winning the program's first and only NAIA Championship.
Current men's basketball coach Tigh Compton was alongside Wells for most of his coaching tenure (2009-2020) at UPIKE. "Coach Wells has had a positive impact on so many people via the game of basketball," said Compton, who climbed the ranks in the program from student assistant to associate head coach before taking over for Wells following the 2019-20 season. "His personal successes as a player and coach are only the tip of the iceberg. His coaching tree is second to none."
Wells stepped into a leadership role in 2018-19 as the Director of Athletics at UPIKE while maintaining his head coaching position. He stepped down from his coaching post in 2020 and since, his efforts have been channeled to growing the footprint of UPIKE Athletics and supporting its 400+ student-athletes.
The Man
Aside from coaching, Wells and his family have served as a beacon of positivity in the community. Among the several athletic accomplishments and honors, Wells has earned awards such as the Distinguished Citizen Award for outstanding service to area youth. In 2014, he was honored with the Hal Rogers Difference Maker Award for Leadership, and more. His coaching tree is extensive and includes personnel ranging all levels from high school to NCAA Division 1.
When you spend any amount of time in the community, really eastern Kentucky as a whole, you begin to get an understanding of the impact Wells has made.
"It's one thing to be a fan of someone from a distance. But when you're in the inner circle, it can be challenging. I've been with Coach Wells since he arrived on campus for his interview and, if anything, I respect him even more than before." – Rick Bentley.
The KHSAA will induct 17 members from the class of 2022 at the Central Bank Center Ballroom in Lexington, KY on Sunday, May 15th. The Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame consists of 491 former coaches, athletes, officials, administrators, and contributors.
"I share this with my wife Shawne, daughter Kaylee, and son Mason who always give their support and love. Go Vikings, Go Eagles, Go Knights, Go Royals, and as always….GO BEARS!"
