While academics rested, athletics did not.
Owls Athletics saw everything over winter break, from coaching changes to men’s and women’s basketball finishing non-conference play while students were home for the holidays.
Benji Walton Resigns as Head Soccer Coach After Eight Seasons
After a disappointing 2023 season, Head Coach Benji Walton decided to step away from coaching.
“As I change course and pursue a new direction in my professional career, I want to pause and personally thank all of my players and coaches for whom I have had the pleasure of working with across four different universities,” said former Head Coach Walton in a KSU Athletics news release. “It’s the relationships with them that I will always cherish the most and will forever hold a special place in my heart.“
In his time as Owls head coach, Walton posted a 69-61-20 record and only finished in the bottom half of the conference one time.
The athletic department is yet to announce Walton’s replacement.
Football Loses Defensive Coordinator, Announces Staff Additions
After just one season in Kennesaw, defensive coordinator Nathan Burton announced on X that he has opted to fill Troy University’s defensive coordinator vacancy.
Under Burton, the Owls’ defense allowed only 17.89 points per game, which was good for the ninth-best scoring defense in FCS this past season. Burton’s replacement remains unannounced.
To fill the spot of defensive ends coach, the Owls have brought on Mike Pelton. Pelton’s resume includes time spent as a player with the Indianapolis Colts as well as coaching stints at Auburn, Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt. Pelton most recently served as defensive coordinator at the University of the South in 2023.
The most recent addition to the staff is new defensive backs Coach Ray Smith. Smith has spent time on staff at Southeast Missouri and Southwest Baptist University.
“I am excited to welcome Ray to the coaching staff at Kennesaw State,” said Owls Head Coach Brian Bohannon, according to a KSU Athletics news release. “He has a lot of experience recruiting inside the state of Georgia and will be a great addition to the staff. I look forward to watching him develop our student-athletes.”
Men’s and Women’s Basketball Close Non-Conference Play, Begin Final Atlantic Sun Campaigns
After a road loss to in-state rival Mercer, Owls’ women’s basketball finished its non-conference slate with a 4-9 record, highlighted by victories over Providence and Florida Atlantic.
Atlantic Sun play got off on the right foot with the Owls dismantling the Queens College Royals 61-42 at home.
After a 10-8 finish in conference play in 2022-23, the women’s team looks to put together its second straight winning season before departing for Conference USA.
Men’s Basketball ended its non-conference schedule with a 9-5 record, equalling last season’s mark for the best start in Division I program history.
The men’s team followed the women’s lead at a double header, also defeating Queens College 80-77 at home to improve to 10-5 and 1-0 in Atlantic Sun play. Terrell Burden set a new career-high with 28 points to lead the Owls to a double-digit comeback win.
Expectations remain high for the men’s team as they look to repeat as regular season and conference tournament champions.
