Patrick William Klein

Patrick William Klein, a graduate of Belpre City’s Belpre High School, credits his hometown and alma mater with cultivating his belief in himself. “The ability to be involved in a lot of different activities made my experience incredible,” Klein said. “That’s what’s great about a small school is the ability to impact the school and community. The thing that sticks out in my mind is how the teachers and administrators were so supportive and still are to this day.” Klein, who graduated in 2002, said he was fortunate to be a three-sport athlete: basketball, golf and track. However, some of his best memories come from playing Kenickie Murdoch in his high school’s production of the musical “Grease,” taking part in mock trials and serving as student council president. “(These activities) introduced me to the best people Belpre had to offer,” he said. Klein left Belpre to attend Ohio State University (OSU), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree from OSU’s Fisher College of Business. In 2006, Klein gained experience working as a support staffer with USA Basketball’s Women’s National Team and the USA Women’s Senior World Championship Trials. From 2008-2010, he served as an assistant womens coach for the University of Illinois before becoming an OSU assistant. He was promoted to womens associate head coach prior to the 2016-2017 season. Since his promotion, Klein has helped guide the Buckeyes to 67 victories, a pair of NCAA tournament Sweet 16 appearances and a top-five national ranking in scoring during the last two seasons. But Klein’s success isn’t solely devoted to basketball. He also is the CEO of Pb&J Consultants, a leadership consulting firm in Columbus. And, just as Belpre City believed in him, Klein founded the iBELIEVE Foundation (theibelievefoundation.org) to give back to the Appalachian region. The organization has raised over $1 million dollars, according to Klein, to provide students with the opportunity to attend summer workshops, where they grow in the areas of communication, problem-solving and team development. “It really is a special feeling to know that you have your community’s support in your endeavors,” he said. “(That knowledge) walks with you through your achievements and throughout your life. Truthfully, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my years in Belpre.”