Ben Wilkins enters his fourth season as Head Coach of the Griffins with a clear vision: create a positive, energetic environment where players grow as people and competitors. In three seasons at the helm, he has elevated Seton Hill into one of the most respected development programs in the PSAC—on the court and beyond it.
Under Wilkins, the Griffins have posted three consecutive 16-win seasons, tying the most wins in the program’s NCAA Division II era. The program also notched its first-ever PSAC Tournament win (over Edinboro in 2025), tied the school record for road wins, and beat two nationally ranked teams—just the second and third such wins in school history.
Player development has been a cornerstone of Wilkins’ tenure. Ryan Meis became a two-time All-PSAC selection, and Kendrick Curtis earned PSAC West Freshman of the Year in 2023–24 before going on to earn All-Conference honors the following season. But the impact goes far beyond the box score.
Wilkins has built a player-led culture rooted in high standards and psychological safety—where every athlete is challenged to lead, not just follow. The Griffins don’t have captains. Every player is expected to act like one. The result? A team known for its passion, unselfish play, and disciplined approach.
The program’s four core values—Joy (Fun + Focus), Attack (“Chance favors the aggressor”), Protect the Brotherhood, and Growing (“Be a man on the rise”)—serve as daily anchors in how the team trains, competes, and supports each other.
Wilkins coaches with a clear philosophy: Coach the person over the player. His practices and huddles are marked by high energy, intentional positivity, and belief in his guys. He holds high standards, creates a safe environment, and challenges players to become the best version of themselves—on and off the court.
Prior to Seton Hill, Wilkins built a reputation as a teacher and leader at every stop. As Associate Head Coach at Army West Point, he helped guide the most successful four-year stretch at the academy since Mike Krzyzewski. His teams were known for their defensive toughness, and the 2019–20 group tied the program record for Patriot League wins. Earlier roles included Mount St. Mary’s (Associate Head Coach, two NCAA Tournament appearances), William & Mary (six years under two-time CAA Coach of the Year Tony Shaver), and Barton College, where his final recruiting class helped capture the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship.
A graduate of NC State with a B.A. in History, Wilkins is also a husband to Lisa and proud dad to Brooke and Parker.
“I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve rebuilt this program—not just through wins, but through high-character young men who are becoming the next generation of leaders. The culture we’ve built is something you can feel—in our locker room, in the classroom, and in the community. It’s passionate, it’s positive, and it’s built to last.”
—Ben Wilkins
