by “Being selfless is not that different from being Brave. It is when you are selfless that you are the bravest.” – Veronica Roth
In the fall of 2025, Rocky River assistant coach Jeff Hammond donated one of his kidneys in an effort to save a life. It was one of the most selfless acts a person can do, especially when you factor in he was supposed to donate it to a family member and when that got nixed, he still donated it to help a complete stranger. That is not only kind, it is the definition of selfless. He is also the defensive coordinator for the CWC Champion Rocky River Pirates. The girls basketball team, not football.
How do these two things go hand in hand, allow me to explain.
Playing defense in basketball is one of the most important things a player can learn how to do, not only does being good at it keep you on the court during the most pivotal moments of a game, but it is one of the most selfless ways a player can contribute. It doesn’t often make the headlines or the articles either. Many times journalists ( I’m guilty of this myself) only focus on the scoring. But playing defense, getting that stop, that steal or that crucial rebound can win a game. Knowing where to be on the court, who to defend and how, is pivotal. You need to be selfless and that is what Jeff is. He applied for the job of head coach a few years back when it was open and when it went to Jamey Pfahl instead, he could have been bitter and had a bad attitude, instead, he was selfless. He joined Jamey’s staff and the rest is history after yet another title.
Jeff is a key cog in the River system and one of those coaches who truly coaches with his whole heart in everything he does. It could be helping with the rotation or deciding what set to stop the opposing team with, Jeff trusts his gut, his heart and often makes the right call.
I spoke with Head Coach Jamey Pfahl about his assistant coach, ““Jeff is a true difference maker. He builds trust with his players through open communication, fairness, and respect, and his leadership and integrity make him an invaluable member of our staff.”
“Jeff’s greatest strength as a coach is his exceptional ability to teach. Coach Hammond breaks difficult defensive concepts into understandable steps. Jeff’s players gain confidence, not just knowledge.”
“Most importantly Jeff Hammond is an amazing human being, and the character that he models leaves a lasting impression beyond the game.”
Congratulations Jeff Hammond on being named the first ever, Kee On Sports High School Basketball Man of the Year!
“Soup isn’t a meal, you’re supposed to buy me a meal, at an nice place, like Mendy’s!” – Philosopher Kenny Banya
One thought on “River Basketball Coach Jeff Hammond Named Kee On Sports Man of the Year”