When Kevin Easley took on the role of Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Life University (Life U) seven years ago, he had no idea how transformative this journey would be. From his humble beginnings in Trenton, Tennessee—a small rural town with a speed limit of 31 and the world’s largest teapot collection—to leading a dynamic basketball program in a bustling city, Easley’s path has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Growing up in Trenton instilled in Easley a love for community and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. His town, which only got its first stoplight in 2002, is a testament to the slow, deliberate pace of country living. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, his ambitions always reached beyond the horizons of Easley’s small hometown.

Easley’s educational journey took him to Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications before pursuing a master’s degree in education at the University of Tennessee at Martin. “My time in academia was filled with incredible experiences, including an internship at WBC in Virginia where I had the unforgettable opportunity to ride in a pace care with Al Unser Jr. and cover Allen Iverson’s Celebrity Weekend,” shared Easley.

Yet, despite these thrilling experiences, basketball remained an unshakable passion. Easley realized that his true calling was to coach, inspire and mentor young athletes. This realization led him back to the University of Tennessee at Martin where he began his coaching career while completing his master’s degree.

From the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, where he served as an assistant coach, to Life University, his coaching journey has been filled with invaluable experiences and growth. Each stop along the way has shaped Easley’s approach to coaching and deepened his commitment to developing not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals.

“Being the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Life U is a dream come true. Unlike many head coaches who also teach classes, I am fortunate to focus solely on coaching, which allows me to pour my energy and passion into the basketball program. Mentoring young men, managing a dedicated staff, and striving for excellence on and off the court are responsibilities I embrace wholeheartedly,” said Easley.

The Life U Men’s Basketball team this year consists of 14 players, including four international students and six new recruits. With a retention rate of about 70% over the past few years, Life U prides itself on maintaining a stable and cohesive team environment. This stability is crucial in an era of high turnover in college basketball, and it reflects the university’s commitment to long-term player development.

The season officially kicked off on October 25 and will run through mid- March if they make it to the NAIA National Tournament, an achievement they consistently strive for. With three national championships already under their belt, the team’s goal is to bring a fourth title to Life U. “At Life U, our mission extends beyond winning games. We aim to provide our players with a holistic and enriching experience that prepares them for life beyond basketball,” shared Easley\

“Accountability, discipline and community service are pillars of our program. We believe that basketball is a powerful tool for teaching life lessons, and we strive to instill values of humility, dedication and resilience in our players.” Easley also greatly appreciates the vision set forth by Life U President Dr. Rob Scott and Athletic Director Jayme Pendergast, which he says has been instrumental in the growth and success of this program. Their unwavering support and commitment to excellence inspires Easley and the entire Athletic Department.

“As I embark on my seventh season, I am more motivated than ever to lead our team to new heights and help our players achieve their dreams, both on and off the court,” said Easley.

 

This article was originally published in Your Extraordinary Life (YEL), Life University‘s Alumni and Friends Magazine, 2024- Volume 17. YEL started in 2009 as a twice-per-year publication before moving to three issues per year from 2010-2017. In 2018, University leadership made the decision to publish a larger, more elegant version of the magazine just once per year that our alumni and friends could be proud of. YEL features an in-depth look at all things Life University, from alumni and student human interest stories to recaps and previews of the University’s biggest events. If you are a proud Life University alumni, friend or supporter, this publication is one you can’t miss!

Read the latest issue and past issues at this link or pick up a print copy on campus.