Jay Garrels has served on Jeff Wilson's coaching staff since the 2009-10 season, coinciding with one of the top stretches in program history.
Garrels began his career with the Warriors as the graduate assistant coach during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons. Since then, he has served as the faculty coach and a member of the Exercise Science Department.
During his tenure, Garrels has contributed to every facet of the ESU men's basketball program, including film, recruiting, scouting, game planning and academic monitoring.
In the last four years, the Warriors have made three trips to the NCAA Tournament, won two PSAC East division titles, won the 2012 PSAC championship and compiled a mark of 82-37.
Prior to his arrival at ESU, Garrels was the head basketball coach at the Storm King School in Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y. After taking over a 1-15 squad, Garrels led his squad to consecutive winning seasons and earned two playoff berths. He also served as the school’s Assistant Dean of Students and Dean of Residential Life, and taught American Government and Geometry.
Garrels played high school basketball at Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J. for ESU alumnus Joe Mantegna, and played alongside current NBA stars Luol Deng, Charlie Villanueva and Royal Ivey.
He holds a bachelor's degree from Syracuse in History, and a Master's degree from ESU in Exercise Science.
