Jonas Honick

About Jonas Honick

Jonas Honick is a respected and acclaimed teacher and basketball coach. In a distinguished teaching and coaching career spanning four decades, he imparted a passion for learning and a love of the game of basketball. The insights shared with his students and athletes had a profound and lasting impact beyond the classroom and the court. Former students and players are effusive in their praise and appreciation, many echoing sentiments like the following:

When I was working 16-18 hours a day creating my start-up, I often thought about the challenges and tough practices Coach Honick presented to prepare us for an upcoming opponent. Recalling the work ethic and dedication he inspired helped me handle the challenges of creating my new business.  

I learned many things from [Coach Honick] about life, friendships, grit, determination, and teamwork. In hindsight, I couldn’t have been more fortunate to play for and learn from one of the truly great coaches and mentors.

Early Life and Education

Mr. Honick grew up in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, the younger of two sons to Irvin and Mary Honick. Irvin was a sergeant in an anti-tank company attached to the 89th Infantry Division during WWII, earning a combat infantry badge and participating in three major battles in the European Theater. His squad helped liberate Ohrdruf, the first Nazi concentration camp liberated by the Americans.  After the war, Irvin returned to work at Ben’s Clothing Store in New Kensington, where he had worked his way up from stock boy and eventually became store owner. Jonas’s mother, Mary Honick, worked at Pittsburgh Plate Glass during the war and continued working on the line until retirement. As children of The Great Depression, their life experiences helped shape Mr. Honick’s values and worldview.