A Strategic Reinforcement for the Owls
Head coach Tianni Kelly revealed this week that the program will welcome four new assistants for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, a move she described as a “strategic reinforcement” aimed at elevating the team’s competitiveness.
Jon Bollier, a veteran with 13 years of Division I experience, arrives from Georgia State where he helped guide guard Crystal Henderson to All‑Sun Belt Third Team honors and contributed to a culture of defensive excellence that produced multiple conference accolades.
Bollier’s résumé includes stints at Samford, where he orchestrated a rapid turnaround that culminated in a SoCon regular‑season title and an automatic NCAA Tournament bid, and earlier work at Belmont that yielded All‑OVC recognitions for guards Jordyn Luffman and Taylor Mills.
Michelle Holmes brings a recruiting pedigree forged during four seasons at UAlbany and American, where she coordinated the development of forwards Cecilia Kay and Emily Johns, both of whom earned Patriot League honors, and mentored Amaya Stewart to America East Sixth Player and Rookie of the Year accolades.
Mason Samlow returns to the program after six years of Division II and NAIA coaching, having previously worked under Kelly at Charleston (WV) where forward Clarrissa Francis earned All‑Mountain East First Team recognition, and having guided multiple players to All‑MEC honors at Ursuline College and West Virginia State.
Brooklyn Pannell, a former Division II All‑America standout and professional scorer in Europe, adds a global perspective after averaging 18.9 points per game for clubs in Iceland, Sweden and England, and after leading the Nottingham Wildcats to a Women’s British Basketball League All‑Defensive Team selection.
The new staff collectively promises a blend of proven winning experience, elite recruiting connections, and a deep understanding of the Atlantic Sun Conference landscape, positioning Kennesaw State for a strong push toward conference contention and beyond.