Coach Kenzie Newton has been a driving force in elevating women’s basketball in Utah, both as a standout player and a highly respected coach. Her journey began on the court at Snow College, where she played a pivotal role in leading her team to a conference championship and an impressive 30-3 record during the 2000–2001 season. She continued her playing career at Southern Utah University, earning her bachelor’s degree in physical education in 2005 and later a master’s degree in Human Performance and Sports Conditioning. These academic achievements not only reflect her personal drive but also laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to empowering young athletes through basketball.
After college, Coach Newton wasted no time making her mark in coaching. She began her high school coaching career at Grantsville High School in 2005, where she inherited a struggling program and quickly turned it into a regional contender. Over four seasons, she led the team to two region championships and deep state tournament runs, earning Region Coach of the Year honors in the 2007–2008 season. From there, she took over at Stansbury High School in 2010 and remained for nearly a decade, building a strong, competitive program. One of her most impactful achievements at Stansbury was the creation of a youth feeder program that served over 500 local players, laying the groundwork for long-term success in the community.
In 2019, Coach Newton embraced a new challenge as the founding head coach of Mountain Ridge High School. Starting from scratch, she built a competitive girls' basketball program focused on culture, development, and excellence. Her ability to lead and inspire was on full display as she cultivated a team identity and guided her athletes to success in one of the state’s newest schools. Newton’s leadership extends beyond wins and losses; her focus has always been on teaching life lessons through basketball—hard work, accountability, teamwork, and resilience.
Beyond her high school coaching roles, Coach Newton has had a major influence on the club basketball landscape in Utah. From 2014 to 2020, she served as the Elite Director at Flash Basketball Academy, where she helped over 40 players earn college scholarships. In 2020, she co-founded Utah Summitt, one of the state’s premier girls’ basketball clubs, which has rapidly become known for elite player development, competitive exposure, and a strong, supportive culture. She currently serves as a part-time assistant coach at Westminster University, continuing her impact at the collegiate level while remaining deeply involved in the Utah basketball community. Off the court, Kenzie is a proud wife to Jeff and mother to Kya and Jacoby. Whether she’s coaching, fly fishing, or cheering for her children, she brings the same passion and energy that have made her a trusted mentor and leader. Coach Newton’s legacy is defined not just by wins, but by the countless young women she’s helped succeed—on the court, in the classroom, and in life.
