— In a year marked by extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment, University of Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has been named the 2025 College Basketball Coach of the Year and honored as a national icon of philanthropic excellence in collegiate athletics.
The dual recognition, announced at the National College Basketball Honors Gala in New York City, celebrates not only Pope’s tactical brilliance on the court but also his profound impact off of it — as a mentor, community leader, and driving philanthropic force within the Kentucky Wildcats program and beyond.
Pope, who led Kentucky to a dominant season capped by an SEC title and Final Four appearance, was praised by the selection committee for his “visionary leadership and transformative approach to team building.” However, it was his charitable efforts — ranging from scholarships for underprivileged student-athletes to spearheading mental health initiatives across college sports — that secured him the rare distinction as a “Philanthropy Icon.”
In an emotional tribute aired during the ceremony, former players, colleagues, and fans described Pope as “the soul of Kentucky basketball.” One message, read aloud by a former Wildcat, summed up the night:
> “To the extraordinary Mark Pope: a visionary leader, a champion of hearts, and the soul of the Kentucky Wildcats. Your brilliance inspires, your generosity uplifts, and your legacy shines bright for generations to come.”
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto called the honor “a testament to Coach Pope’s values, integrity, and deep love for his players, this university, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
Now in just his second year at the helm of Kentucky’s storied program, Pope has already solidified himself as more than just a coach — but as a cultural figure and respected voice in college athletics.
“This honor isn’t about me,” Pope said in his acceptance speech. “It’s about the young men who fight every day to become better players and even better people. And it’s about giving back to the communities that shape us.”
As celebrations erupt across Lexington, plans are underway for a campus celebration and community outreach event next month, where Coach Pope will unveil a new charitable foundation aimed at supporting youth sports access in underserved areas of Kentucky.
With his inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to purpose-driven coaching, Mark Pope continues to redefine what it means to be a coach in the modern era — one legacy-building moment at a time.
