Rob Senderoff

Class:
Redshirt

Rob Senderoff rejoined the Kent State program as the associate head coach in April 2008. A 13-year Division I coaching veteran, Senderoff has been a staple of the Golden Flashes coaching staff during his tenure. In five seasons with the program, he has helped guide the team to 108 wins and five post season appearances.

“We are really lucky to have someone with Rob’s quality and experience on our staff,” said Head Coach Geno Ford, “He is a proven national recruiter and an excellent on the floor coach. His familiarity with the program gives him credibility with the players.”

In his first year back with the program in 2008-09, Senderoff helped orchestrate an offense which led the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in both scoring and field goal percentage. It was the first time since joining the league in 1951-52 that the program has led the conference in scoring. In addition KSU also committed the fewest turnovers per game of any team in the MAC.

During Senderoff’s first stint on staff from 2002-06, the Golden Flashes went 89-40 (.690) and won three MAC East Division titles. After three straight National Invitational Tournament appearances, he helped KSU advance to the NCAA Tournament in 2005-06 as the team won both the MAC regular season and tournament titles with a 25-9 overall record.

“We are pleased to have Rob rejoin our staff under Coach Ford,” said Athletic Director Laing Kennedy. “I look forward to what he brings to our program and the positive impact he will have with our student-athletes both on and off the court.”

Known for his ability to develop post players, Senderoff spent the 2006-07 season at Indiana where he worked with All-Big Ten and preseason All-American D.J. White. While a member of the Hoosier’s staff, IU went 21-11 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He was also part of a staff that recruited The Hoop Scoop’s No. 1 recruiting class in the country in 2007.

With the Golden Flashes he had a critical role in the progression of 2004 First Team and MAC Defensive Player of the Year, John Edwards, who played in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers. Additionally at Kent State, Senderoff also coached All-MAC performer Antonio Gates who went on to become an All-Pro tight end for the San Diego Chargers. During his tenure at Miami University, he was on a staff that helped develop current NBA players Wally Szczerbiak and Ira Newble.

A native of Spring Valley, N.Y., Senderoff began his coaching career as a student assistant at the University at Albany under legendary coach Richard “Doc” Sauers before moving on to the MAC as a graduate assistant at Miami from 1995-97. Returning to the East Coast, he spent time at Fordham (1995-97), Yale (1999-2001) and Towson (2001-02) prior to joining the Golden Flashes staff.

At Kent State, seven players earned All-MAC honors, including 2006 MAC Player of the Year DeAndre Haynes. At Yale, he saw one recruit earn Ivy League Freshman of the Year accolades and at Fordham another player earned A-10 Freshman of the Year honors.

“I’m excited to be back at Kent State,” said Senderoff. “I appreciate Coach Ford, Athletic Director Laing Kennedy and the University administration for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to continuing the success and tradition of the program.”

Senderoff earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Albany in 1995 and a master’s in sports studies from Miami in 1997. He is married to the former Lauren Edelstein, and the couple have two daughters, Samantha Brooke (6) and Rachel (1).

The Rob Senderoff File
Birthdate: July 25, 1973
Hometown: Long Island, N.Y.
Family: Wife Lauren, daughters, Samantha Brooke and Rachel
Alma Mater: University at Albany, bachelor’s degree in business administration
Miami University; master’s degree in sports studies

Rob Senderoff’s Coaching Log
Seasons       School   Position(s)
1995-97       Miami   Graduate Assistant Coach
1997-99       Fordham   Assistant Coach
1999-01       Yale   Assistant Coach
2001-02       Towson   Assistant Coach
2002-06       Kent State   Assistant Coach
2006-08       Indiana   Assistant Coach
2008-pres. Kent State   Associate Head Coach