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Former United States Army Reserve veteran and Purple Heart recipient Josh Wathen has been named Director of Basketball Operations for the Stetson women’s basketball program, Hatters’ head coach Lynn Bria announced on Wednesday.
Wathen comes to Stetson following tenures on the basketball staffs at the University of Miami and the University of North Florida.
“I think the fact that Josh served in our military says a whole lot about who he is, his loyalty and his attitude of service,” Bria said. “Throughout the interview process, his references were all very complimentary of him. Anywhere he has been, from North Florida to Miami and working for Katie (Meier), they just could not say enough good things about his work ethic and what he brings to the team. I am not surprised, given his background. We are really excited to have him, and I think he is going to be a great asset.”
At Miami, Wathen served as the women’s basketball Operations Assistant and was responsible for program analytics, player development, and video scouting. He previously served as the Head Manager for the UNF men’s basketball program, assisting with program analytics, video, equipment, and practice and gameday setup, in addition to supervising a staff of 10 student managers.
“I am so thankful and excited to be a part of the Stetson family,” Wathen said. “Coach Bria has really built a successful program and a winning culture here in DeLand. I look forward to working with the staff and the student-athletes and helping them succeed both on and off the court.”
Wathen spent 11 years serving in the United States Army Reserves, making three deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan. As a Protective Services Non-Commissioned Officer, Wathen performed over 300 safe and successful convoy missions, and was awarded a Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge while on detail for the U.S. Command Sergeant Major of Iraq. He was also hand-selected for protective service detail for both General George Casey and General David Petraeus.
Basketball has always been a passion for Wathen. In addition to his time at UNF and Miami, Wathen has coached at the Patrick Ewing Basketball Camp, the Jacksonville Basketball Academy, and the Pat Kelsey Basketball Camp. He was also a video coordinator and scout for the Overseas Basketball Combine.
Wathen received his Associate in Arts degree from FSC Jacksonville in 2017 and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management from the University of North Florida in 2018.
