Evan Faulkner is in his second season as Director of Operations with the Youngstown State men’s basketball team.
During his first year at Youngstown State, Faulkner helped the Penguins to a 21-13 overall record and their first trip to the Horizon League Championship game. Youngstown State also set a YSU Division I record with eight straight wins from Nov. 30, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025.
The Penguins made 299 3-pointers on the season, which ranked second on the single-season list, and scored 2,599 points for an average of 76.4 points per game.
Before joining the Penguins, Faulkner spent eight seasons at the University of Pikeville, including four years as associate head coach. He was a part of 168 wins, six NAIA National Tournament teams, two elite 8 appearances, and one regular-season conference championship.
He assisted in the development of four NAIA All-Americans; two MSC Players of the Year; one MSC Freshman of the Year; eight first team all-conference and eight second team all-conference representatives.
Prior to accepting a position at UPIKE, Faulkner served as the head boy’s coach at Ripley High School (WV). While at Ripley, he oversaw all aspects of the program, leading them through two of their most successful seasons in school history. The 16-9 record in his second season was the most wins in 20 years, finishing in the regional semifinal for the first time in 15 years. On top of their team accomplishments, he helped mentor three players that accepted basketball scholarships.
Before Ripley, Faulkner worked as an assistant coach at the University of Charleston (WV). While there, he was involved in recruiting, scouting and guard play development. During that season, UC went 21-9, won the Mountain East Conference tournament championship, and competed in the NCAA D2 National Tournament. Upon completion of the season, guard Xavier Humphrey received All-American honors.
As a student-athlete, Faulkner spent two seasons at Radford before finishing his career at Charleston where he was part of 45 wins in two seasons, one NCAA national tournament, and was an All-WVIAC selection as a senior.
Faulkner's prep career at Elliott County High School in Eastern Kentucky included three Region 16 Championships and 135 career wins.
He graduated from the University of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in Wellness Education before completing his MBA at the University of Pikeville.
Faulkner resides in Youngstown with his wife, Nissona, and daughter, Blakelynn.
