Kelsey Knoche

Kelsey Knoche is in her first season as the director of operations at the University of Virginia and fifth season overall with UVA head coach Ryan Odom. Knoche served two seasons as the director of operations at VCU (2023-25) and two seasons as the director of operations and external relations at Utah State (2021-23).

Knoche was one of 15 women to hold the title of Director of Basketball Operations on a men’s coaching staff in NCAA Division I in 2024-25.

In her role with the Rams, Knoche oversaw all logistics related to the day-to-day operations of the men’s basketball program, including non-conference scheduling, team travel, managing the program’s operating budget and coordinating recruiting visits. She also served as the program’s liaison to the athletic department.

During her tenure at Utah State, the Aggies advanced to the NIT in 2022 and the NCAA Tournament in 2023. Knoche served as the lead on travel, recruiting operations, budgeting and external efforts within the athletic department.

Prior to her time in Logan, Knoche worked as an assistant coordinator with the University of Maryland men’s basketball program from 2015-21. With the Terrapins, Knoche worked closely with the team’s recruiting efforts, including coordinating on-campus visits and organizing all staff recruiting travel. She also arranged basketball specific fundraising efforts, alumni reunions, and assisted with team travel. Prior to her full-time role, Knoche spent four seasons as an undergraduate with the program as a student operations assistant.

During her time in College Park, the Terps earned five NCAA Tournament bids and won the 2020 Big Ten Regular Season Championship.

A native of Fairfax, Virginia, Knoche is a 2015 graduate of Maryland’s Merrill College of Journalism. She is the daughter of Chris Knoche, former head men’s basketball coach at American University from 1990-97, and the current color commentator for the University of Maryland men’s basketball radio broadcasts.