Jesse Blackwell

Jesse Blackwell is the current Head JV Basketball Coach at Aquinas High School, where he helped guide the program to a WIAA Final Four appearance in 2024 and a State Championship title in 2025. With over two decades of coaching experience across basketball, football, and track and field at the youth and high school levels, Jesse is known for his passion for player development, strong community ties, and ability to build teams grounded in discipline, trust, and accountability.

Jesse began his playing career as a standout at La Crosse Logan High School, where he was named to the Wisconsin All-State Team and recognized as one of the Top 20 players in the state for the Class of 2005. He was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection in the Mississippi Valley Conference. He went on to play college basketball at both the University of North Dakota and Des Moines Area Community College.

While at DMACC, Jesse was part of a Region XI Championship team that advanced to the NJCAA Elite Eight. He also earned honors on the All-Conference Academic Team, demonstrating his commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom.

Jesse later served as Head Coach at Brookwood High School, where he focused on program culture, work ethic, and leadership development. In addition to basketball, he has also coached high school football and track and field, using a multi-sport approach to help athletes build strength, confidence, and discipline year-round.

Jesse’s coaching philosophy is rooted in community connection and skill development, with a personal emphasis on teaching values such as accountability, Integrity, Resilience, and Respect—preparing student-athletes to succeed in sports and life.

Jesse holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, further reinforcing his commitment to mentorship, education, and long-term impact through sport.