Jerome Nelson

Mt. Healthy City Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Coach Jerome D. Nelson as the new basketball coach for the district. Coach Nelson, a Cincinnati native, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for coaching basketball to his new role.


Coach Jerome Nelson's basketball journey began at Princeton City Schools, where he attended high school. After graduating in 2005, he continued his education and basketball career at Post Grad - Harmony Prep School in 2006, earning an athletic scholarship to Iowa Central Community College. Following two successful years at Iowa Central CC, Coach Nelson achieved his goal of receiving an athletic scholarship to Minnesota State University-Moorhead, a NCAA Division II school.

During his time at Minnesota State University-Moorhead, Coach Nelson demonstrated exceptional skills and leadership on the court. He achieved the highest single-season 3pt Field Goal Percentage (47%), and his outstanding performance earned him the nomination as Team Captain. Additionally, he received the Team Coaches Award and the Team Most Improved Player Award in 2009.

Returning to his hometown of Cincinnati, Coach Nelson dedicated the past 10 years to coaching basketball and sharing his knowledge, experiences, and expertise with players at various levels. He has coached and trained athletes in middle school, high school, and college, while also serving as an AAU Basketball Program Director, sports performance coach, and scout/evaluator. Coach Nelson's commitment to community service was recognized when he received The Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Southwestern Ohio Honors Award in 2018.

Throughout his coaching career, Coach Nelson has successfully connected numerous student-athletes to college opportunities. He has served as an assistant coach at Princeton High School, Aiken High School, and Miami University-Hamilton, as well as the Head AAU Director/Coach. Under his mentorship, hundreds of student-athletes have developed important values such as sacrifice, patience, focus, effort, discipline, respect, and commitment—values that Coach Nelson believes are essential for success both on and off the court.

Currently, Coach Nelson serves as the Owner/Head Player Development Coach for JD House Of Hoopers, a program committed to player and character development for passionate student-athletes in basketball. Coach Jerome Nelson is supported by his wife, Deanna Owens-Nelson, and their four children—Jaida (8), Jade (4), Tanner (17), and Jaylen (16).

"We are thrilled to have Coach Jerome Nelson join our team at Mt. Healthy City Schools," said Athletic Director Terell Davis. "His extensive experience, dedication, and commitment to student-athlete development align perfectly with our values and vision for our basketball program. We believe Coach Nelson will have a positive impact on our students both on and off the court, and we look forward to a successful season ahead."

#WORTHY 🦉