Gulf Coast Commodores Gear Up for New Season Under Coach Rory Kuhn

Panama City Beach, United States - This summer, as the Florida sun shines bright, Coach Rory Kuhn is hard at work preparing the Gulf Coast Commodores for the upcoming basketball season. With a solid foundation set by returning talent and a wave of new recruits, Coach Kuhn is focusing on building team chemistry during summer workouts. He’s keenly observing player interactions, allowing the seasoned veterans—Arianny Francisco De Olviera, Phebean Olujobi, Anjela Minja, and Yasmine Allen—to guide the newcomers, fostering a spirit of leadership and collaboration.

Last season, these experienced players averaged over 26 points per game, giving Kuhn confidence in their ability to mentor the fresh faces joining the squad. Excitingly, there are seven new players on board, with one scholarship spot still waiting to be filled. As players hustle through their summer drills, the team dynamics are taking shape ahead of the official fall practices starting in late August. WJHG reports that this will be a pivotal season for the Commodores under Kuhn’s leadership.

Building on Success

Entering his fourth season as the head coach of the Lady Commodores, Kuhn boasts a rock-solid record of 71 wins and just 21 losses over three seasons, leading the team to their first conference championship in five years. Under his watch, the Commodores were ranked #1 nationally for two consecutive seasons and achieved impressive results last year, reaching the Elite 8 and finishing 5th in the national tournament. Remarkably, this was accomplished even after All-American center Isimenme Ozzy Momodu suffered a season-ending ACL injury, showcasing the team’s resilience and depth.

Furthermore, the previous season saw Kuhn reap the rewards of his recruiting prowess, as he produced yet another All-American and celebrated the achievements of five players who made the First Team All-Panhandle. His ability to nurture talent is evident, with players graduating to prominent four-year universities across various competitive conferences including the Big 10, ACC, and BIG12. The Lady Commodores are on an upward trajectory, and fans are eager to see what the upcoming season will bring.

A Foundation of Experience

Before taking the helm at Gulf Coast, Kuhn forged his coaching career at St. John’s University in the Big East, making a powerful mark there as an assistant coach. During his time, he was pivotal in securing a postseason appearance for the team, helping them reach the WNIT Quarterfinals, and guiding St. John’s to notable wins over ranked teams. This experience, along with a successful stint at Northwest Florida, where he contributed to three NJCAA Elite Eight appearances and a National Championship in 2014-15, has equipped him well for this role.

Kuhn’s tenure includes mentoring three consecutive Panhandle Conference Players of the Year and coaching high school basketball for nine years on Long Island before stepping into the collegiate arena. With his academic background as an Academic All-American and degrees in Education, he’s committed not just to winning games but ensuring players succeed both on and off the court. His journey through the ranks is a testament to his dedication and skill in player development.

As preparations ramp up for the new season, Coach Rory Kuhn’s task is clear: to harness the energy of returning players and newcomers alike, shaping a team that will contend for titles while instilling a culture of growth and excellence. It’s an exciting time for the Gulf Coast Commodores, and the community can’t wait to see what unfolds in the coming months.

Catch all the action and updates as the season progresses! For further details about Coach Rory Kuhn, visit WJHG and Gulf Coast Athletics.