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SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Wofford College is celebrating the accomplishments of former men’s basketball coach Dwight Perry while turning the page to a new era with the hiring of alumnus Kevin Giltner.
Perry, who guided the Terriers for three seasons, posted a 48-43 record and left his mark with one of the most memorable runs in recent program history. After being elevated from interim to full-time head coach in March 2023, Perry’s leadership culminated in the 2025 Southern Conference Tournament championship. The Terriers rattled off four straight wins in Asheville to clinch the SoCon’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, their first trip since 2019.
That tournament run was a defining moment for both Perry and his players, showcasing resilience and toughness in the face of adversity. Wofford fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, but the trip brought national recognition back to Spartanburg.
“Coach Perry led our program with integrity and gave our student-athletes an opportunity to grow on and off the court,” athletic director Scott Kull said in a statement. “We thank him for his service and wish him well in the future.”
Perry’s tenure was not without challenges — navigating roster turnover, competing against SoCon rivals, and building consistency in a competitive mid-major landscape — but his ability to guide Wofford back to the national stage will remain part of his legacy.
A Terrier Returns Home
On Sept. 22, Wofford named 2012 graduate Kevin Giltner as the program’s 20th head coach. For many, the decision to hire an alumnus felt like a natural choice, blending continuity with fresh perspective.
“As a former player and assistant coach at Wofford, Kevin loves this place and understands what it means to represent the Wofford name on the front of the jersey,” Kull said. “With the season approaching and the need to move quickly with this hire, we could not be prouder and more excited to bring one of our own back home.”
Giltner played in 125 games for the Terriers from 2008 to 2012, helping the program reach two NCAA Tournaments during its rise under longtime coach Mike Young. Known as a smart, unselfish player, Giltner transitioned into coaching soon after graduation.
Coaching Résumé
Giltner’s coaching career began at Wofford, where he served as an assistant, before he joined Young’s staff at Virginia Tech in 2019. Over six seasons in Blacksburg, he helped the Hokies earn multiple postseason berths, including the 2022 ACC Tournament title.
That experience exposed him to high-level recruiting, player development, and game-planning in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. By working under Young — a mentor who built Wofford into a consistent winner — Giltner developed a reputation as a tireless recruiter and trusted assistant.
“My time at Virginia Tech has not only helped me professionally, but the relationships built there will be forever cherished and not forgotten,” Giltner said. “Mike Young…where do I even begin? Thank you. I love you and appreciate your unwavering support as this opportunity has presented itself.”
Giltner now becomes one of the youngest head coaches in Division I men’s basketball, taking the reins at age 35. His return to Spartanburg underscores Wofford’s commitment to its identity — relying on leaders who know what it means to succeed at the college both athletically and academically.
‘This Is Home’
For Giltner, the chance to lead his alma mater is deeply personal.
“I am unbelievably grateful for President Nayef Samhat and Director of Athletics Scott Kull giving our family the opportunity to return to Wofford and Spartanburg,” Giltner said. “This is home for us. My time at Wofford gave me some of the best years of my life and I want the same for our current and future men’s basketball student-athletes.
“The foundation of Wofford men’s basketball was laid a long time ago, and I consider it a real privilege to build on the foundation created by my former teammates, other program alumni, and current players. The Wofford name and logo mean a great deal to me and my family; it is a great honor to lead these men and represent Spartanburg.”
Looking Ahead
The timing of the transition is unusual — just weeks before the start of the 2025-26 season. Wofford will open its schedule under new leadership while still carrying the momentum of last spring’s SoCon championship run.
Perry departs with a résumé that includes a conference title, an NCAA appearance, and the respect of his players and colleagues. For Giltner, the task ahead involves not only sustaining that success but also navigating the challenges of recruiting and competing in an evolving mid-major landscape.
Wofford has long thrived as a program that punches above its weight, making NCAA Tournament appearances in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2019 and 2025. The expectation is that Giltner will continue that tradition while adding his own stamp.
“This is about building on what has already been established,” Giltner said. “Wofford has a history of excellence, and I am honored to be entrusted with leading this program forward.”
Gratitude and Optimism
For Wofford, this is both a moment of reflection and anticipation. Perry’s tenure is remembered for restoring the Terriers to the NCAA Tournament and guiding a resilient group of players to a championship. Giltner’s hiring represents a new chapter rooted in familiarity, tradition and fresh ambition.
The Terriers now move into the season with gratitude for Perry’s leadership and excitement for what Giltner can bring as one of their own returns to lead the way.
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