As part of the Athletes of Kingston series, stories are shared about local athletes and coaches who are making waves in sport and inspiring others both on and off the field.
Basketball coach Jason Reynolds has been a familiar presence on the sidelines in gymnasiums across Kingston for more than three decades.
“I came from a background of the screaming and yelling,” Reynolds shared. “While I appreciate a lot of what I learned from that approach, it’s not my style. It’s not who I am, and it’s not how I believe you should be directing kids today.”
Instead, Reynolds focuses on helping athletes learn in a supportive environment.
I try to give kids an opportunity to explore in a safe environment,” he said. “And I really try to get them to think the game.
Reynolds, 52, has coached minor club teams across the Kingston area, as well as at LaSalle Secondary School and Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute. He coached with the Guardsman Insurance teams and, in 2001, helped launch Eastern Elite alongside former Queen’s Gaels coach Chris Oliver. In 2007, he joined Kingston Impact shortly after it was formed through the amalgamation of several local basketball clubs.
“There were several people in the local organizations who decided it was in the best interest of the Kingston community to work together,” said Reynolds, now president of Kingston Impact. “Over time, we’ve developed something strong.”
Today, Impact teams continue to compete at a high level across Ontario.
“For our population size, we do exceptionally well,” Reynolds said. “We won a silver medal at the U16 girls’ level two years ago — that’s the best we’ve ever done.”
Originally from Victoria, B.C., Reynolds played a variety of sports growing up before basketball became his focus in high school. One of his most memorable moments came when Steve Nash transferred to his school in Grade 12.
“It really pushed me and made me a much better player,” Reynolds said.
After moving to Kingston, Reynolds attended Queen’s University and eventually found his way into coaching. His teams have qualified for the Ontario high school championships in 10 of his 13 seasons at LaSalle, earning multiple local and regional titles along the way.
Whatever I gave them, I got a lot back,” he said. “The common factor for kids who go on and have success is that they’re disciplined. They can balance school and sport, and they love to practice.
Reynolds encourages players to make the most of their time in sport.
“You might get an opportunity to play college basketball,” he said, “but there’s no guarantee it’s going to be as great as this.”
Through coaches like Jason Reynolds, Kingston’s athletes aren’t just learning the game, they’re learning the value of teamwork, discipline, and passion, and inspiring the next generation of athletes in our community.
