Imagine trading spreadsheets for sneakers, and a calculator for a clipboard. That's essentially the story of Josh Petersen, the new Kentucky women's basketball assistant coach, whose journey is anything but a straight line. It's a testament to passion, hard work, and a willingness to start from the very bottom.
Petersen's path to Kentucky wasn't paved with blue-chip recruit status or instant recognition. Instead, it began with humble beginnings as the head manager for Florida State's women's basketball team from 2008 to 2012. Think about it: washing towels, setting up drills, and doing all the unglamorous tasks that keep a team running smoothly. He then transitioned to a graduate assistant role for another two years at Florida State. During his time there, the Seminoles made an impressive five NCAA Tournament appearances in six years, showcasing the winning environment he was immersed in. Fun fact: his wife was an equipment manager at Florida State, making it a true basketball family affair!
But here's where it gets interesting... Petersen didn't immediately explode onto the coaching scene. After his time with the Seminoles, he took an assistant coaching position at UNC Asheville for four seasons, experiencing the thrill of two NCAA Tournament berths. He then moved on to Pittsburgh for another four years as an assistant. Before landing at Kentucky, he spent two seasons at Miami, helping the Hurricanes reach their first-ever Elite Eight. That's right, a first! His impact is undeniable.
"I have had a little unorthodox path but I have always been surrounded by incredible people and coaches," Petersen admits. He even confessed, "I thought I was going to be an accountant. Then I learned that was not my forte. I have an accounting degree but I wanted to coach." It's a relatable story for anyone who's ever felt pulled in a different direction than their initial career plans. He continues, "I started out washing towels or just rebounding for players. I was a graduate assistant working on my Masters but I believed I had the potential to coach. I grew up in west Texas playing a lot of sports but I was never great at any one sport. But I was a sports junkie."
And this is the part most people miss... Petersen’s story isn't just about luck; it's about recognizing opportunity and seizing it. He learned from every experience, every coach, and every player he encountered. He absorbed knowledge like a sponge, turning a passion for sports into a viable career. His journey highlights the value of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to pay your dues.
Petersen's gratitude is palpable when he talks about joining Kenny Brooks' staff at Kentucky. "There’s no replacing gratitude. Every day I think to myself to be at a place like the University of Kentucky that the basketball gods were born here and I feel like I have to pinch myself daily knowing I am at UK and working for coach Brooks," Petersen said. "My journey was not the traditional way but I am thankful to be where I am now." He understands the prestige and tradition associated with Kentucky basketball, and he's determined to contribute to the program's success.
Now, some might argue that starting as a manager is a disadvantage. Others might say it provides a unique perspective and appreciation for all aspects of the game. What do you think? Does Petersen's unconventional path give him an edge, or does it put him behind coaches with more traditional playing or coaching backgrounds? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your perspective.
