In a celebration of sports excellence, Jay Blossom, head boys' varsity basketball coach at Principia School, has been inducted into the prestigious St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes his remarkable contributions to basketball and his commitment to fostering talent in young athletes.
Jay's coaching journey is a testament to his dedication and passion. In 20 seasons at Webster Groves High School, he compiled an impressive record of 447–122, leading the Statesmen to 17 consecutive conference championships and three Missouri Class 5 State Championships. His influence extended beyond the court as he served as past president of the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association and shared his expertise internationally in Spain and China.
In his first year as the boys’ basketball coach at Principia, Jay led the Panthers to a second-place finish in the Missouri Class 2 State Championships, the team’s first time playing in a conference championship since 1971—an incredible feat for a team of mostly underclassmen.
“Jay Blossom’s induction into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to the profound impact he’s made not only on the basketball court but within the Principia community over his career,” said Principia Athletic Director Shawn Brown (US’00, C’04). “As a Hall of Fame coach, Jay brings out the best in his players through unwavering dedication to their effort, character, and spiritual growth. His deep love for his team, assistant coaches, and the greater purpose of bettering Principia is the foundation of his remarkable legacy.”
Jay joins an elite group of honorees in the Hall of Fame, alongside legends like Albert Pujols, Arthur Ashe, Bob Costas, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. His induction in early September at The Missouri Athletic Club is not just a celebration of his past successes but also a bright beacon for the future of Principia basketball.
Join us in celebrating this incredible achievement and supporting Coach Blossom as he inspires our next generation of athletes to reach for greatness!