Rachelle Jones and Bryan Kersey Selected as 2025 Naismith College Officials of the Year

ATLANTA (September 9, 2025) – The Atlanta Tipoff Club has posthumously named Rachelle Jones as the 2025 Naismith Women’s College Official of the Year and Bryan Kersey as the 2025 Naismith Men’s College Official of the Year for their exceptional service to collegiate basketball. The awards will be presented at the 2025 NCAA Basketball Regional Officiating clinic in Atlanta, September 13-14.

Established in 1988, the Naismith College Official of the Year Award honors individuals who embody character, integrity, and dignity, while significantly influencing the development and success of college basketball. Eligible recipients must have at least 20 years of officiating experience, have worked in NCAA and conference tournaments, and be retired from on-court officiating.

Jones, celebrated for her professionalism and compassion, worked the 2017 Women’s Final Four and mentored countless colleagues. As a respected referee and beloved educator in New York, Jones dedicated herself to reaching and inspiring young people. She was known for her meticulous preparation, consistent positivity despite adversity, and unwavering dedication to the sport. 

She passed away in June 2018 at the age of 51 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her fellow officials and the women’s basketball community have honored her legacy by raising nearly $30,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.  Jones worked games in the ACC, American, BIG EAST, Ivy, Northeast, Metro Atlantic Athletic, and Patriot League during her career. She also officiated in 15 NCAA Tournaments.

“Rachelle was dedicated to uplifting others, whether on the court or in life,” said longtime colleague Dee Kantner, who won this award in 1997. “Her energy and encouragement still resonate with everyone she touched.” 

Kersey began his college officiating career in 1988 with the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and went on to work in the American, Atlantic 10, Atlantic Coast (ACC), Big East, Big South, Conference USA, Metro Atlantic Athletic (MAAC), and Southern Conferences through 2016. He was regularly selected for conference tournaments and officiated 17 championship games. 

“I am extremely humbled to receive the 2025 Naismith Men’s College Basketball Official of the Year Award,” Kersey said. “To be listed on an award with some of the legends of our game is a true honor.  Every official listed before me has played a tremendous role in helping my career, and I am thankful for each one of them. I love college basketball officiating and look forward to being a part of training and developing officials as we continue moving our game forward. Thank you again for this prestigious award, and I hope to carry out the tradition of those who came before me.”

His NCAA Tournament experience includes 22 years of first-round games, 16 years in the second round, nine regional appearances, four regional finals, and one Final Four in 2015. Among his honors, Kersey received the ACC Commissioners Award in 1999-2000 and 2014-2015, highlighting his excellence and dedication to college basketball officiating.

He currently serves as the Supervisor of Officials in the Atlantic 10, Atlantic Coast, and Big South Conferences.

“Rachelle and Bryan dedicated their lives to the sport, both as outstanding officials and as mentors who elevated those beside them,” said Eric Oberman, President of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. “Their enduring influence will continue to shape college basketball for years to come, and we are proud to honor them as part of the Naismith Awards tradition.”