(FREDERICTON, NB) One of the architects of one of the most successful high school basketball programs in New Brunswick history is moving up.

Peter Kelly, a member of the coaching staff of the Fredericton High School Black Kats varsity girls team for eight seasons, is joining the UNB Reds women’s team and head coach Jeff Speedy’s staff.

“I’m very excited to have Coach Kelly join our program,” said Speedy. “He’s a very knowledgeable and hard-working coach who has a ton of experience coaching young women.”

During Kelly’s eight-year run with the Black Kats, Fredericton High won five provincial championships, including, most recently, back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019.

He’s worked as a coach with Basketball New Brunswick since 2012 and is currently serving as head coach of BNB’s U17 women’s team that will compete at this year’s national championship tournament, in British Columbia.

Kelly’s coaching resume also includes stints with New Brunswick entries at the Canada Summer Games in 2013 and 2017.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to coach at the next level and continue to learn and grow as a coach,” said Kelly. “It’ll be a great experience working with high performance student-athletes on a daily basis.”

Kelly, who has a goal of working in basketball professionally, says his coaching strengths include skill development, tactics and game preparation.

“I’ll be there to do whatever the coaches and student-athletes need to help them improve and be prepared,” said Kelly. “I’ll do my best to fill any need the team has, and will take pride in my role.”

“Peter will be a great fit with our staff and have an immediate and positive impact on our student-athletes,” said Speedy.

Kelly will begin working with Speedy’s staff immediately.