News Summary
Stacey Lenard Palmore, the assistant men’s basketball coach at Elon University, died unexpectedly, leaving a significant impact on players and the athletic community. Palmore was celebrated for his recruiting skills and coaching prowess, aiding the team to its first winning season in years. His legacy includes fostering player development and a dedication to community engagement. A public memorial was held to honor his contributions.
Elon, North Carolina – Stacey Lenard Palmore, 54, an assistant men’s basketball coach at Elon University, passed away unexpectedly on June 4, 2025. His sudden death has shocked the athletic community, with many mourning the loss of a coach who made significant contributions to the team and its players.
Palmore joined Elon University’s coaching staff in 2022 and held the roles of assistant men’s basketball coach, director of video scouting, and recruiting operations. Under his guidance, the team achieved its first winning season in eight years, marking a significant turnaround for the program.
Palmore was known for his exceptional recruiting skills and his effectiveness as an on-court coach, establishing a strong reputation throughout his career. He was instrumental in attracting talent to the Elon basketball program and was admired for his ability to foster player development.
He is survived by his son, Jaden Palmore, who has shown great promise as a basketball player. Jaden played for state championship-winning teams at Greensboro Day School and has committed to continuing his athletic career at the University of Lynchburg.
Prior to his tenure at Elon, Palmore had extensive coaching experience. He held positions at the University of South Carolina Upstate and Coastal Carolina from 2014 to 2017, and also served as an assistant coach at the University of Georgia, where he helped develop future NBA players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Travis Leslie, and Trey Thompkins.
Palmore’s coaching journey began at his alma mater, Livingstone College, where he served as an assistant coach during the 1992-93 season. Over the years, he worked with numerous schools, including Lander University, Erskine College, Western Carolina, College of Charleston, and Virginia Tech, before finding his way to Elon University.
A graduate of Livingstone College, Palmore earned a B.S. degree in physical education in 1993. During his college basketball career, he was celebrated for his shooting ability, ranking in the top 10 nationally in 3-point percentage among Division II players, and was a co-captain during his junior and senior years. In addition to coaching, Palmore was dedicated to community engagement through initiatives such as the annual “Shoot 4 the Stars” basketball camp in Greenwood, S.C., which he conducted for many years.
Following his passing, Elon University held a public memorial service at the Schar Center on June 5, 2025, where friends, family, colleagues, and members of the community came together to honor Palmore’s legacy and contributions. Tributes poured in from across the college basketball landscape, reflecting on the profound impact he had on the lives of countless individuals and the broader basketball community.
Stacey Palmore’s unexpected death leaves a significant void in the lives of those who knew him, both personally and professionally. His dedication to basketball, impressive coaching record, and nurturing spirit will be remembered fondly by players, coaches, and anyone who had the privilege to work alongside him.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arkansas Tech Men’s Basketball Welcomes New Assistant Coach
Lander University Field Hockey Program Enhances Training Facilities
Lander University Baseball Team Secures First PBC Tournament Title
Dawn Staley Signs Record-Setting Contract Extension
Dawn Staley Signs Historic Contract Extension with USC
Dawn Staley Signs Historic Contract Extension
Lander University’s Baseball Team Secures Second Consecutive Title
Columbia Honors Dawn Staley with Historic Contract and Statue
David City Principal Cortney Couch Announces Departure
Celebration of Success at Lander University’s Awards Ceremony
Additional Resources
- Elon Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Stacey Palmore
- Elon News Network
- Google Search: Stacey Palmore
- Alamance News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
- WFMY News 2
- Google News: Elon University Basketball
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
