FSCJ BlueWave Athletics Welcomes Men’s Basketball Coach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida State College at Jacksonville’s (FSCJ) BlueWave Athletic Department welcomes Frank Burnell as the Men’s Head Basketball Coach, effective July 1, 2018.

Burnell, a native of Jacksonville and one of the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) (State of Florida) 2005 Basketball Hall of Famers, has been hired to lead the BlueWave Men’s Basketball team back to the success the team experienced in the 90s. In 2011, Burnell returned to Jacksonville as the Men’s Head Basketball Coach at Edward Waters College where he has spent the last seven seasons.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead the FSCJ BlueWave Men’s Basketball program to new heights in the Mid-Florida conference,” said Burnell.

Burnell is no stranger to the Mid-Florida Conference as he spent two stints at conference rival Daytona State College (formerly Daytona Beach Community College).  During his first stint at Daytona State (1993-2003) his teams had some of the most successful runs in the history of National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 8 basketball. Burnell led the Falcons to four Mid-Florida Conference regular season championships, two Mid-Florida Conference Tournament championships and an NJCAA Region 8 Championship in 1999. 

Burnell earned a bachelor’s degree from Stetson in 1985 after a sterling career on the basketball floor for the Hatters. Following his playing career at Stetson, Burnell entered the ranks of professional basketball, playing for two years (1983-85) for the Puerto Rico Coquis of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA).  Burnell is also a graduate of Jean Ribault High School where he played basketball for Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Hall of Fame coach, the late Bernard Wilkes.

“We are excited to have Frank Burnell join our athletic staff as the Men’s Head Basketball Coach,” said FSCJ Director of Athletics Ginny Alexander. “He brings a lot of success, experience and integrity to our institution. His connections within the community of Northeast Florida and understanding of the junior college opportunities for student athletes are what make him stand out as a great fit for BlueWave Athletics.”

About FSCJ

Known as “the community’s college,” Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) exists to provide valuable, high quality learning opportunities to anyone with the desire to enhance themselves through the pursuit of higher education. Serving more than 50,000 students and awarding more than 7,800 degrees and certificates on an annual basis, the College plays a significant role in supplying the region’s employers with a highly skilled, educated workforce.