Quay Kennedy was hired on to join the Sailfish men's basketball bench in August of 2025.
PBA turned in a historic season in 2025-26. The Sailfish recorded a 26-6 overall record and 16-4 conference record. The season set a new record for wins in PBA's DII-era and conference wins since joining the SSC. The Sailfish finished second in the SSC and was ranked as high as No. 3 in the NABC top 25. Kennedy assisted the 'Fish to their second NCAA Regional berth in program history. The regular season was highlighted by a win over No. 1-ranked Nova Southeastern on Dec. 13. Preston Le Gassick became the second Sailfish to earn first team all-SSC honors and the first to be named to the D2CCA all-region first team. Alvin Tumblin Jr. earned a spot on the all-SSC second team while Christian Kirkland earned a spot on the All-SSC defensive team. The squad boasted a 17-1 record at home in Rubin Arena. The Sailfish led the SSC in team defense, allowing 73.6 points per game and holding opponents to a league-low 41 percent from the field. The 'Fish boasted one of the most efficient offenses in the country, leading the SSC with a 49 percent team field goal percentage.
A native of Columbia Tennessee, Kennedy began his college career at Lee University, quickly becoming a top player in the Gulf South Conference. During his four seasons with Lee, Kennedy earned two First Team All-GSC honors, named GSC Player of the Year in 2021, selected to the NABC All-South Region First Team, and earned D2 CCCA All-South Region Second Team honors.
After graduating from Lee, he transferred to Lincoln Memorial University to complete his eligibility with his graduate year. While with the Railsplitters, Kennedy averaged 15 points and five rebounds per game while leading LMU to a 30-5 record and an Elite Eight appearance. He was named First Team All-SAC, Southeast Regional Most Outstanding Player, and helped power the team to a No. 3 national ranking.Â
After college, Kennedy pursued professional basketball. He played one season with Imortal BC in Albufeira, Portugal. He averaged five points, three rebounds, two assists and 1.3 steals per game. When he returned to the states, Kennedy pursued coaching. He returned to the Railsplitters where he served as an assistant coach and player development specialist. His responsibilities included recruiting, film breakdown, scouting and in-game adjustments during two successful seasons that included two South Atlantic Conference Regular Season Championships, a No. 5 national ranking and the development of multiple All-Conference and Player of the Year athletes.Â
