Basketball Player’s Success a Slam Dunk in Classroom and the Court

Kevin Warren says his mother, Kenya Williams, is his hero for steadfastly supporting his dreams—both in the classroom and on the court. He’s done his best to ensure her sacrifices paid off.

In 2020, he completed his bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in broadcasting. With one more year of NCAA eligibility, he spent the pandemic-induced break from basketball as a counselor for third and fourth graders at the Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley. Back on the court this season, he was the Wildcats second-leading scorer and rebounder, while helping lead the team to the Division II Elite 8.

In terms of academic honors, he’s the most decorated student-athlete in Chico State’s men’s basketball history—all while he prepares to graduate this spring with a master’s in communication studies.

Warren also earned First Team All-Conference honors and won the prestigious CoSIDA Academic All-District honor—presented to just five men’s basketball players from the West Region. He’s one of only two West Region players to win both awards. The guard from Oakland is also a two-time Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award winner, a 2019–20 National Basketball Coaches Association Honors Court recipient, and the 2019–20 CCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Scholar Award winner for having the highest GPA at the tournament.

Now, as he eyes the future, he’s shooting for a professional basketball career and to later work in sports journalism.

“It is rare to have someone with the ability and drive to accomplish so much athletically and academically. Kevin is the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete,” said Coach Greg Clink.