Kelly Hardwell

Since 2022, Kelly Hardwell has spent countless hours at the South YMCA helping young athletes grow both on and off the basketball court.

His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, although he’ll tell you he doesn’t do it for the recognition. Kelly’s humble nature makes the honors he’s received all that more meaningful. He was named the 2025 Coach of the Year by the Greater Wichita YMCA and was presented the first-ever 2026 Honorary ESPYS Volunteer Coach of the Year award presented by ESPN Wichita 92.3 radio.

“The best part about it is when kids come and they don’t believe they can do something. Then we work on it in practice and work on it in practice, and the next thing you know it happens in a game,” Kelly told ESPN Wichita’s Pat Strathman. “They’re the happiest about making a simple layout, and I say ‘I knew you could do it.’ That makes me smile the most.“

Hardwell coaches girls and boys basketball, focusing on teaching fundamentals while also building confidence and character in the athletes he works with.

What began as a way to stay connected to basketball quickly became something more meaningful. 

“Volunteering has helped me realize how much I enjoy mentoring and leading young athletes,” Hardwell said. “I’ve learned that I’m very patient, adaptable and able to connect with kids at different skill levels and personalities It has also shown me how important consistency and encouragement are — not just in sports, but in helping kids grow as individuals.”

He believes the relationships built through volunteering can leave a lasting impact on both the coach and the athletes involved.

“The impact you make might seem small at first, but it can be lasting for the kids and families you work with,” Hardwell said