Brice Jenkins and Rollie Massimino enjoy Philadelphia prior to playing a University of Pennsylvania exhibition game this past October.

As Rollie Massimino and the Keiser University Seahawk Basketball team celebrate over 800 wins, countless students and alumni thank their coach for the life lessons he’s shared both on and off the court.

Brice Jenkins, a Summit Christian School graduate who is now a starting player describes his role under Massimino as both ‘a humbling and a motivating experience.’ “Coach Mass plays more of the father figure role in my life,” reflected Jenkins, a senior majoring in Sports Management. “I have so much love and respect for the man as a person, to be one of his players is truly an honor.”

Jenkins, a 6’3” starting guard, shared that the most influential lesson Massimino has instilled in him is to remain patient and to relax in every circumstance. “He explained to me that every situation will work itself out, and to never become worried. There had been many instances when I’d let my emotions get the best of me both on and off the court, and coach really helped me with controlling that aspect of my life,” said Jenkins, a transfer student, who shared that the great tradition of sports and academics at Keiser grabbed his attention and made his educational decision an easy one.

And Massimino’s colorful formula seems to be working, as the Seahawks, with a 15-2 overall record and a rank of 23 in the NAIA extend this season’s winning streak to 12 straight wins while winning all four tournaments at home.

But it’s more about ‘the kids’ than it is the game, said Massimino. “It’s really been a pleasure to have the opportunity to coach so many fine young student athletes. I’ve been fortunate to be involved with over 1000 kids and a lot of outstanding coaches from across the globe, and having had the health problems that I’ve experienced recently, I’m now even more attuned to the true definition of what it means to be a ‘good student,’ a ‘good coach,’ and a ‘good athlete.’ They’ve been an amazing support system, and I’m proud to be their leader.”

“I’ll be able to pass these experiences down to my kids one day and hopefully it will help them to achieve success,” said Jenkins. “Coach Mass still has that crazy fire inside that keeps him going – and us too,” he smiled.