The recently announced appointment of Ethan Faulkner as the new head men’s basketball coach at Youngstown State University (YSU) represents a significant development for the program. Faulkner, who has been an integral part of the program’s success over the past five years, is now poised to lead the team into a new era of achievement. The announcement was delivered by YSU Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Ron Strollo, who commended Faulkner’s dedication and substantial contributions to the basketball program.
Faulkner’s tenure with the YSU staff began in 2019 as an assistant coach, and his impact swiftly led to a promotion to the role of associate head coach for the previous two seasons. Throughout his time with the program, he played a pivotal role in securing the team’s first regular-season conference championship and their inaugural berth to the National Invitation Tournament, in addition to an impressive total of 98 wins over the last five seasons. Moreover, under Faulkner’s guidance, Youngstown State players have earned All-Horizon League accolades on 11 occasions, underscoring his influence on the team’s success.
In expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program, Faulkner conveyed his honour at being entrusted with such a significant responsibility. He extended his gratitude to the university’s athletic director, Ron Strollo, President Bill Johnson, and the Board of Trustees for their confidence and support. Furthermore, Faulkner acknowledged the impact of Jerrod Calhoun, the former head coach, on his personal and professional development, emphasizing his commitment to perpetuating the positive momentum of the YSU basketball program.
Faulkner’s exceptional contributions have been crucial in guiding the Penguins to a five-year winning streak, the first of its kind in YSU’s Division I era. The team’s remarkable accomplishments include securing a Horizon League-leading 41 conference games and a league-high total of 65 victories overall over the past three years. Additionally, the Penguins have achieved 41 wins at Beeghly Center, as well as setting a Division I record of 14 home wins in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Faulkner’s strategic leadership played a significant role in the Penguins’ second consecutive 20-win season, marking the first instance of back-to-back 20-win campaigns in YSU’s Division I history. In the 2022-23 season, his guidance was instrumental in helping the team secure a school record-tying 24 wins and the Horizon League Championship. Furthermore, Faulkner’s dedication and expertise propelled the Penguins to an impressive 19 wins in 2021-22, the highest since 2000-01, and their second postseason berth in three years.
Prior to joining Youngstown State, Faulkner had amassed coaching experience at the University of the Cumberlands, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and Northern Kentucky University. His notable achievements at NKU include coaching an Atlantic Sun Freshman of the Year and two second-team all-conference players. As a former player at NKU, Faulkner’s leadership skills were evident as a team captain for two years. He holds an impressive record, ranking in the top 10 in all-time career assists and 11th in all-time free throw percentage.
Faulkner’s appointment as the head men’s basketball coach at YSU signals an exciting new chapter for the program. His extensive experience, dedication to player development, and proven track record of success are strong indicators of the promising future that lies ahead for the Youngstown State Penguins.