Kyle Blackbourn comes to Rockhurst University from Delta College in University Center, Mich. He served as the head men’s basketball coach and led the Pioneers to a 19-13 overall record in 2014-15 season. Blackbourn also led the Pioneers to a District 10 tournament runner up finish and a third-place finish in the tough Michigan Community College Athletic Association.
The Pioneers notched many signature wins on the way to the best season the program has seen in recent years in beating national powerhouse Mott Community College three times, and the first time for the program since 1993, as well as winning on the road at nationally-ranked Owens Community College for the first time in program history. Blackbourn coached four All-Conference players:first team All-Conference and All-Region 12 winner Markell Bradshaw, second team All-Conference and Defensive Player of the Year winner Julian Henderson, third team All-Conference winner B.J. Batts, and honorable mention All-Conference winner Travon Cotton.
Previous to Delta College, Blackbourn spent the 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. The 2013-14 Ravens finished with a 23-9 record, winning the Heart of America Athletic Conference, and winning a game at the Buffalo Funds NAIA Division I national tournament. Overall, the Ravens had a 41-21 record in his two years with the program. At Benedictine, Blackbourn had the opportunity to work for 2013-2014 HAAC Coach of the Year Ryan Moody. As well as being involved in all aspects of player development and working with honorable mention All-American and first team All-Conference award winner Charlie Wallrapp; second team All-Conference award winner John Harris Jr.; Honorable Mention All-Conference honoree Jonathan Anaekwe, and Defensive Player of the Year Jallen Messersmith.
Blackbourn's primary responsibilities were recruiting, individual workouts and perimeter player development. His other duties included film exchange, team travel, film breakdown and opponent scouting.
Blackbourn spent the 2011-12 season at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. While at Grand View, Blackbourn helped GVU to a 17-13 record and an appearance in the MCC championship game. He also worked directly with two first team MCC performers in Kevin Smith and Kody Ingle.
Prior to GVU, Blackbourn spent the 2010-11 season as the head women's assistant for Clark University in Dubuque, Iowa. While at Clarke, Balckbourn helped CU to the most wins the program has seen in nine years. He also worked with Newcomer of the Year Brittany Collier.
Blackbourn also spent three seasons at Shullsburg High School in Shullsburg, Wis. During the 2007 to 2010 seasons, Blackbourn served as the head boys' varsity assistant, while running his own junior varsity program. In the 2006-07 season, Blackbourn began his coaching career at Scales Mound High School, in Scales Mound, Ill. He served as the head boys' varsity assistant.
Blackbourn earned a physical education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, while also obtaining a minor in health education, a certificate in adapted physical education and an endorsement in coaching. He received his master's degree in educational leadership from Benedictine College in the summer of 2014.
