From Spring Valley, New York, Rob Senderoff has become synonymous with Kent State basketball.
A Proven Leader in Kent
Entering his 15th season as head coach, he continues to uphold the program’s winning tradition while pushing for another NCAA Tournament berth.
Last year, the Golden Flashes were one of the MAC’s most consistent teams, finishing 24-11 overall and 11-7 in conference play. They ended up third in the league and advanced to the NIT Quarterfinals, a solid showing that set the stage for even higher expectations in 2025–26.
A Decade of Success and Stability
Senderoff owns a 288-176 overall record and a 149-101 mark in MAC competition. Under his leadership, Kent State has finished in the top three of the conference in four of the last five seasons, a model of steady success.
The Golden Flashes have not captured the MAC regular-season crown since 2014–15, but they remain perennial contenders. Senderoff is 0-2 in NCAA Tournament appearances, though his two MAC Tournament championships and 2022 Coach of the Year honor highlight his strong track record.
Climbing the Coaching Ladder
Before taking over at Kent State, Senderoff paid his dues across several programs. He began his career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Miami (OH), then made stops at Fordham, Yale, and Towson. His first run at Kent State came in 2002 as an assistant before joining Kelvin Sampson’s staff at Indiana in 2006.
After resigning from Indiana in 2007, he returned to Kent State as an assistant in 2008. Three years later, he was promoted to head coach, becoming the 24th in program history. Since then, he has turned the Golden Flashes into a consistent MAC power.
2025–26 Outlook and Schedule
The Golden Flashes open the new season at home on November 3 against Troy, followed by a second home game against Cornell on November 7. The highlight of their non-conference slate will come on December 29 when Kent State travels to face national contender Purdue in West Lafayette.
Kent State was voted third in the 2025–26 MAC preseason poll, trailing only Akron and Miami (OH). With several returning contributors and a proven coach at the helm, the Golden Flashes have every reason to believe they can make another postseason run.
Another Shot at March
Rob Senderoff has quietly built one of the MAC’s most consistent programs, balancing player development with defensive intensity and team chemistry. As Kent State gears up for another season, the mission is clear: climb back to the top of the conference and make a long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament.