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On March 22, 2011, Ed Cooley became the 15th head coach at Providence College. He came to Providence College after spending five seasons as the head coach at Fairfield University. “When Bob and I sat down with Mike Tranghese and we talked about what we were looking for in our next coach, we quickly agreed that the No. 1 candidate for Providence College is Ed Cooley,” former Providence College President Fr. Brian Shanley, O.P. said. “I wanted a coach that could teach our players about the game of life. I also wanted a relationship builder and Ed is a relationship builder. He will connect with our players, our fans and the entire state of Rhode Island. I could not be more thrilled to have Ed Cooley as our basketball coach.” In nine seasons at Providence College, Cooley has posted a 181-122 mark (.597). In 14 seasons as a head coach, Cooley has a 273-191 (.588) record. When Cooley was hired in 2011, the Friars had finished under .500 in six of the 10 previous seasons and had been to just one NCAA Tournament (2004) in that 10-year span. Since his hiring, Cooley has led the Friars to seven consecutive post-season tournament berths (2019-20 there was no post-season due to the Covid-19 pandemic), including a school-record five straight NCAA Tournament appearances (2014-18), and he guided the team to the 2014 BIG EAST title. In 2019-20, the Friars had the best mid-season improvement of any Division I team as the squad improved from 6-6 to finish the year with a 19-12 mark - a NET ranking improvement of 119 spots (156 to 37). The team posted a 12-6 record in BIG EAST action and finished in fourth place. The 12 league wins was the most ever by a Friar squad. In addition, the Friars defeated every BIG EAST team at least once - another first for the program. The Friars finished the season winning six consecutive games and eight of the last 10. Five of the those wins occured in February over ranked teams, which marked just the fifth time in the history of college basketball that a team posted five wins over ranked squads in a calendar month during the regular season. In August of 2019, Cooley served as the Head Coach of Team USA at the Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru. His squad was a group of BIG EAST All-Stars, including Alpha Diallo, Nate Watson, David Duke and AJ Reeves. Despite having the youngest team at the tournament, Cooley led the squad to a Bronze Medal. In 2018-19, Providence advanced to its seventh consecutive post season when the Friars were selected to the NIT as a four seed. It marked the first time that PC advanced to seven straight post-seasons since Dave Gavitt’s Friars accomplished the feat from 1971-78. The 2019 Friars finished the season with an 18-16 mark. The 2017-18 season, proved to be another successful season for the Friars under Cooley as the squad made its team record fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament and produced another season with 20 or more wins (21-14). It marked the first time the Friars recorded five consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins since 1974-78. Providence finished
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tied for third in league standings with a 10-8 mark. The team had another strong performance at the BIG EAST Tournament, advancing to the championship game were the squad nearly knocked off eventual national champion Villanova before losing in overtime. One of the highlights for the squad was earning three wins over top-5 ranked teams. It marked the first time ever that the Friars accomplished that feat. In 2016-17, the Friars were picked ninth in the Preseason BIG EAST Coaches’ Poll after losing stars Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil to the NBA Draft. However, the Friars finished the year with a 10-8 mark in league play and in third place in the conference standings. To achieve that mark, the team overcame a 4-8 record in early February and won its final six BIG EAST Conference games to earn the third place finish. The Friars also posted a 20-13 record overall and earned an at-large berth to the squad’s fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament. In recognition of his efforts, Cooley was named NABC District 5 Coach of the Year. Juniors Kyron Cartwright and Rodney Bullock were named 2017 Second Team All-BIG EAST. In addition, Cartwright became the third player in six seasons under Cooley to earn BIG EAST Most Improved accolades. During his time at Providence, Cooley has coached five All-Americans. He also has had players earn two BIG EAST Player of Year honors, two BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year accolades, three BIG EAST Most Improved Player awards, one BIG EAST Tournament MVP, five BIG EAST All-Tournament Team accolades, two BIG EAST All-Rookie Team awards, one BIG EAST Sportsmanship honor and 10 All-BIG EAST honors. In 2016, Cooley led the Friars to a 24-11 mark and a 10-8 record (fourth) in the BIG EAST. After finishing fourth in league standings for the third straight season, Providence advanced to the BIG EAST Semifinals for the third-consecutive year, which has only occurred one other time in the history of Friar basketball. Most importantly, the Friars earned their third-consecutive berth in the NCAA Tournament, where the team registered a 1-1 mark, which included a First Round win over Southern California. It marked just the third time in the history of Friar basketball that the team reached the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons. The squad also recorded 24 wins, which is the most since the 1996-97 season. With 24 wins, the Friars posted their third-consecutive season with 20 or more victories. Another milestone for the Friars was that they finished the regular season with 22 wins, which was the most since 1978 and just the sixth team all-time at PC to accomplish the feat. Cooley’s Friars also were ranked for 13 weeks during the season, including a No. 8 national ranking on January 4. It marked the Friars’ highest ranking in the Associated Press Poll since March 1, 1977 when the team was ranked No. 8. Two of Cooley’s players earned significant honors in 2015-16 and were both drafted as junior guard Kris Dunn (New London, Conn.) and sophomore Ben Bentil (Wilmington, Del.) earned All-BIG EAST accolades. Dunn also earned his second-consecutive BIG EAST Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. He also earned numerous All-America accolades and was named a Consensus All-American. Bentil became the seventh Friar all-time and the third under Cooley to lead the BIG EAST in scoring, averaging 22.9 points per game. For his efforts, he was named BIG EAST Most Improved Player - the second time a Friar has received the honor in Cooley’s five seasons at Providence. Dunn was the fifth pick overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves and became the fourth highest Friar drafted all-time in the history of the NBA. Bentil was selected 51st overall in the second round by the Boston Celtics. In 2015, the Friars were picked fifth in the Preseason BIG EAST Coaches Poll. The team exceeded expectations when the squad placed fourth with an 11-7 record. It marked just the third time ever and the first time since 2004 that the Friars registered 11 conference wins. Overall, the squad posted a 22-12 mark and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in consecutive seasons for the first time since the 1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons. The team also
posted its second consecutive season with 20 or more wins for the first time since 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons. Senior LaDontae Henton (Lansing, Mich.) and sophomore Kris Dunn (New London, Conn.) paced the Friars in 2015. Both players earned First Team All-BIG EAST honors and Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America accolades. Dunn, who led the BIG EAST in assists, ranked third in the nation in assists and fifth in the nation in steals. He was named the 2015 BIG EAST Player of the Year and he also earned BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year accolades. Dunn became the first guard in the history of the league to win both honors in the same year. Henton, who led the BIG EAST in scoring in 2015 (20.1 ppg), finished his career ranked second all-time in scoring at Providence (2,059 points) and fifth all-time in rebounding (1,054). He is just the second player ever at Providence to score more than 2,000 points and grab more than 1,000 rebounds. Cooley’s 2014 team was picked to finish sixth in the Preseason BIG EAST Coaches Poll, but overcame losses of personnel during the season to finish 10-8 and fourth overall. The Friars went on a run in the league tournament, posting three straight wins, including a thrilling 65-58 victory over No. 14 Creighton in title game. With the win, the Friars earned the league’s automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament and made their first trip to the Tournament since 2004. His 2014 squad was led by senior All-American Bryce Cotton (Tucson, Ariz.). Cotton had an amazing senior season in which he led the BIG EAST in assists (5.8) and finished second in scoring (21.8). He also led the nation in minutes played (39.9). He earned BIG EAST Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors and garnered his second consecutive First Team All-BIG EAST accolade. He finished his career ranked fifth overall in scoring at Providence with 1,975 points. His teammate, senior Kadeem Batts (Boston, Mass.) also was recognized for his stellar play as he was named All-BIG EAST Second Team.
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The Cooley Facts File FULL NAME: ED COOLEY BORN: September 10, 1969 in Providence, R.I. FAMILY: Wife,Nurys; Daughter, Olivia; Son, Isaiah HIGH SCHOOL: Central High School (R.I.) ‘88 New Hampton Prep. (N.H.) ‘89 COLLEGE: Stonehill ‘94, Major - History
It did not take long for Cooley to turn the Friar fortunes around. In his second season, he led the Friars to a 19-15 record overall and a 9-9 mark in league play. Included in the 9-9 BIG EAST record in 2012-13 was a 7-2 mark over the last nine games of the conference season. That impressive record marked the second best turnaround over the second half of the season in BIG EAST history. He then guided the Friars to the NIT where the squad posted a 2-0 record before losing in the quarterfinals to eventual NIT Champion Baylor. Leading the way for the Friars in the 2012-13 season were Cotton and Batts. Cotton was named All-BIG EAST First Team after he led the league in scoring. His teammate, Batts was recognized as a co-winner of the league’s Most Improved Award and earned All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention accolades. In his first season at Providence, Cooley led the Friars to a 15-17 mark overall. The team posted an impressive 11-3 mark in non-conference action, which included an 8-0 record at home. In league action, the Friars defeated No. 14/15 Louisville, 90-59. The 31-point win marked the Friars’ largest margin of victory ever over a ranked team. Two of Cooley’s players earned BIG EAST honors in his first season. Point guard Vincent Council was named All-BIG EAST Third Team and one of his first recruits, forward LaDontae Henton, earned BIG EAST All-Rookie Team accolades. In addition to coaching the Pan Am Games team in 2019, Cooley has extensive experience with USA Basketball. In 2013, he
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served as a court coach during the USA U19 Training Camp for the World Championships. In 2014, Cooley served as an assistant coach for the USA U18 Team which captured a Gold Medal at the FIBA Americas Championship. He was an assistant coach for the USA U19 Team at the World Championships in Greece in 2015. Cooley helped the team win a Gold Medal, his second in as many years. Prior to coming to Providence, Cooley guided Fairfield to a school-record 25 wins and a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season title in 2010-11. He was named the 2011 MAAC Coach of the Year. He also earned United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) District I Coach of the Year honors. His 2011 squad finished the season with a 25-8 mark (15-3 MAAC) and advanced to the second round of the NIT. In five seasons at Fairfield, Cooley’s teams posted a 92-69 mark, including a 58-32 record in MAAC action. Cooley became the first Fairfield head coach to guide the team to a .500 or better mark in MAAC action in each of his first five seasons. In 2009-10, he led the Stags to a 23-11 mark and the team’s first post-season berth since 2003. For his efforts in 2010, Cooley was the first recipient of the Ben Jobe Award, presented annually to the top minority men’s basketball coach in the nation. Prior to taking the Fairfield position, Cooley spent 10 seasons as an assistant coach for Al Skinner. He coached for one season at Rhode Island under Skinner (1996-97) and nine seasons as an assistant at Boston College (1997-06), where the Eagles posted a 175-108 mark and advanced to five NCAA Tournaments and one NIT. Cooley also helped lead the Eagles to the 2001 BIG EAST Tournament title and three BIG EAST regular season titles (2001, 2003 and 2005). In 2004-05, Boston College started the season with a school-record 20 consecutive wins. In 2005-06, the Eagles advanced to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game against Duke. At BC, Cooley was instrumental in the recruitment of Troy Bell, a two-time BIG EAST Player of the Year. Bell also went on to play professional basketball after leaving Boston College, which included a stint in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies. A 1994 graduate of Stonehill College, he was a three-time captain for the basketball team and was inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. Cooley began his coaching career at UMass-Dartmouth. He helped lead UMass-Dartmouth to a 25-4 mark and a No. 3 national ranking (1994-95). He returned to his alma mater, Stonehill, and served as an assistant coach for one season (1995-96) before joining Skinner’s staff at URI. Cooley, a native of Providence, attended Central High School and earned two Rhode Island High School Player of the Year honors. He also did a post-graduate year (1988-89) at New Hampton Prep. before attending Stonehill. He and his wife, Nurys, have one daughter, Olivia, and one son, Isaiah.
The Cooley Facts File Ninth Year at PC: Eighth Year at PC: Seventh Year at PC: Sixth Year at PC: Fifth Year at PC: Fourth Year at PC: Third Year at PC: Second Year at PC: First Year at PC: Overall at PC: Overall at Fairfield: 12-Year CAREER: BIG EAST TOURNAMENT: BIG EAST LEAGUE GAMES: NON-LEAGUE GAMES AT PC: NCAA TOURNAMENT: NIT:
19-12/12-6 18-16/7-11 21-14/10-8 20-13/10-8 24-11/10-8 22-12/11-7 23-12/10-8 19-15/9-9 15-17/4-14 181-122 92-69 273-191 8-6 83-79 98-42 1-5 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) 4-4 (2011, 2013, 2019)
Alpha Diallo, David Duke, Coach Ed Cooley, A.J. Reeves and Nate Watson celebrate wininng the bronze at the Pan Am games in August 2019.
THE COOLEY FAMILY: Ed, Nurys, Isaiah and Olivia
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The Cooley Facts File
The Cooley Facts File 2019-20 (19-12/12-6)...Had the largest mid-season improvement of any Division I team - a NET ranking improvement of 119 spots (15637)...The 12 league wins was the most ever by a Friar squad...Team defeated every BIG EAST squad at least once - another first for the program... Team finished the season winning six consecutive games and eight of the last 10...Five of the those wins occurred in February over ranked teams, which marked just the fifth time in the history of college basketball that a team posted five wins over ranked squads in a calendar month during the regular season. 2018-19 (18-16/7-11)...Team posted an 18-16 mark and advanced to the NIT for its seventh consecutive post-season bid. 2017-18 (21-14/10-8)...Team posted a 21-14 mark and advanced to the NCAA Tourney for a school-record fifth consecutive season...The team extended its streak of 20 or more wins to five consecutive seasons... It marked the first time the Friars recorded five consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins since 1974-78...Team advanced to the BIG EAST Championship game for second time under Ed Cooley...Team earned three wins over top-5 ranked teams for the first time ever. 2016-17 (20-13/10-8)... Team posted a 20-13 mark and advanced to the NCAA Tourney...The Friars finished third in the BIG EAST, with a record of 10-8 despite being picked 9th in the Preseason... Ed Cooley was named NABC District 5 Coach of the Year. 2015-16 (24-11/10-8)... Team posted a 24-11 mark and advanced to the NCAA Tourney...The team won its first game in the NCAA tournament under Coach Cooley...Team reached BIG EAST Semifinals for the third straight season. 2014-15 (22-12/11-7)...Team posted a 22-12 mark and advanced to the NCAA Tourney in consecutive seasons for the first time since the 1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons...The team also posted its second consecutive season with 20 or more wins for the first time since 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons...Friars finished with an 11-7 record which marked just the third time ever and first time since 2004 the team recorded 11 league wins. 2013-14 (23-12/10-8)... Team posted a 23-12 mark and earned most wins since 1997...Captured its second BIG EAST Tournament title and first since 1994...Advanced to the NCAA Tourney for 16th time overall and first since 2004 before losing to No. 6 seed North Carolina, 79-77... Posted a 10-8 mark in BIG EAST play - the most wins in BIG EAST since 2009. 2012-13 (19-15/9-9)... Team recorded a 19-15 record overall and a 9-9 mark in BIG EAST play...Team posted a 7-2 mark in the last nine league games, which was the second best turnaround over the second half of the season in conference history...The team posted a 2-1 mark in the NIT and advanced to the quarterfinals before being eliminated by eventual NIT Champion Baylor... Team earned its first post season win since 2003. 2011-12 (15-17/4-14)...Team recorded an 11-3 record in non-conference action, including an 8-0 mark at home...Squad defeated No. 14/15 Louisville, 90-59, which marked the team’s largest margin of victory ever over a ranked squad. 2010-11 (25-8/15-3)...Team posted a school-record 25 wins overall and a record 15 victories in conference action...Captured the MAAC regular season title...Advanced to the NIT and posted a 1-1 mark...Named MAAC Coach of the Year...Earned USBWA District 1 Coach of the Year. 2009-10 (23-11/13-5)...Team’s 23 wins were second highest in program’s history...Team’s 13 MAAC wins tied for tops all-time at Fairfield... Led the Stags to their first post-season win in more than 30 years...Team set an NCAA Div. 1 post-season record when it overcame a 27-point second half deficit to defeat George Mason in OT...Earned the Ben Jobe Award as the top minority men’s basketball coach in the nation. 2008-09 (17-15/9-9)...Led the Stags to their first winning record since 2004. 2007-08 (14-16/11-7)...Led the Stags to an 11-7 mark in MAAC action...It marked the team’s second straight winning record in conference action...Team posted a seven-game win streak, the longest in 20 years (1986-87). 2006-07 (13-19/10-8)...Led the Stags to a 10-8 mark in MAAC action and a fifth-place finish in his first season as a head coach.
COACHING EXPERIENCE / RECORD Coaching Experience
Record
2011 -
Head Coach, Providence College 162-110 NIT (2013, 2019) NCAA (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
2019
Head Coach, USA Basketball, Bronze Medal, Pan Am Games Team
2017
Selection Committee, USA Basketball U19 Team
2015
Assistant Coach, USA Basketball U19 Team Gold Medal, World Championship
2014
Assistant Coach, USA Basketball U18 Team Gold Medal, FIBA America Championship
2013
Court Coach, USA Basketball U19 Team Training Camp, FIBA World Championships
2006-11 Head Coach, Fairfield University NIT, CIT
92-69
1997-06 Assistant Coach, Boston College NCAA five times
175-108
1996-97 Assistant Coach, Rhode Island NCAA
20-10
1995-96 Assistant Coach, Stonehill College
16-10
1994-95 Assistant Coach, UMass-Dartmouth
25-4
COACHING HONORS Coaching Honors 2017 - NABC Distric 5 Coach of the Year 2014 - Rhode Island Coach of the Year 2011 - Metro Atlantic Athletic Conf. Coach of the Year 2011 - U.S. Basketball Writers District 1 Coach of the Year
ED COOLEY COACHING RECORD
YEAR SCHOOL RECORD PCT CONF. REC. FINISH 2006-07 Fairfield 13-19 .406 10-8 (.556) 5th-Tied 2007-08 Fairfield 14-16 .467 11-7 (.611) 5th-Tied 2008-09 Fairfield 17-15 .531 9-9 (.500) 4th-Tied 2009-10 Fairfield 23-11 .676 13-5 (.722) 2nd 2010-11 Fairfield 25-8 .758 15-3 (.833) 1st 2011-12 Providence 15-17 .469 4-14 (.222) 15th 2012-13 Providence 19-15 .559 9-9 (.500) 8th-Tied 2013-14 Providence 23-12 .657 10-8 (.556) 4th 2014-15 Providence 22-12 .647 11-7 (.611) 4th 2015-16 Providence 24-11 .686 10-8 (.556) 4th 2016-17 Providence 20-13 .606 10-8 (.556) 3rd-Tied 2017-18 Providence 21-14 .600 10-8 (.556) 3rd-Tied 2018-19 Providence 18-16 .529 7-11 (.389) 8th 2019-20 Providence 19-12 .613 12-6 (.667) 4th Career 14 years 273-191 .588 141-112 (.557) One Title *There was no BIG EAST or NCAA Tournament in 2019-20 due to the Covid-19 pandemic 68
2010 - Ben Jobe Award, National Coach of the Year
TOUR. POST SEASON 0-1 0-1 1-1 2-1 CIT 1-1 1-1 NIT 1-1 0-1 0-1 NIT 2-1 3-0 - Champs. NCAA 0-1 1-1 NCAA 0-1 1-1 NCAA 1-1 0-1 NCAA 0-1 2-1 NCAA 0-1 1-1 NIT 0-1 *-- *-12-12 One Title 5-9
COOLEY VS. OPPONENTS (273-191) Team
W L
Team
Albany American (AH) Army Arizona Arkansas Austin Peay Baylor Belmont Binghamton Boston College Brown Bryant Butler Canisius Cen. Arkansas Central Connecticut Charleston Charlotte Chattanooga Cincinnati Colgate Colorado State Connecticut Creighton Dayton DePaul Drexel Evansville Fairfield Fairleigh Dickinson Florida Florida A&M Florida State Fordham George Mason Georgetown Grambling Hartford Harvard Hofstra Holy Cross Houston Houston Baptist Howard Illinois Iona Iowa State Kent State Kentucky La Salle Long Beach State Loyola Loyola-Chicago Louisville Maine Manhattan Marist Marquette Massachusetts Maryland Memphis
2 0 3 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 5 4 5 2 3 0 12 4 10 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 1 4 10 8 0 1 11 5 2 0 1 0 3 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 11 8 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 6 2 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 7 4 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 8 4 0 1 1 1 2 0 8 3 8 4 7 9 3 4 0 2 1 1
Merrimack 1 0 Miami 1 0 Michigan 0 1 Michigan State 0 1 Minnesota 0 1 Mississippi 0 1 Mississippi State 1 0 Missouri 0 1 Navy 1 0 New Hampshire 2 0 6 5 Niagara Norfolk State 1 0 Northern Iowa 0 1 North Carolina 0 2 Nortwestern 0 1 Notre Dame 2 1 NJIT 3 0 1 0 Ohio State Penn 0 1 0 2 Penn State Pepperdine 1 0 0 2 Pittsburgh 0 1 Providence Rhode Island 7 3 5 7 Rider 1 0 Robert Morris 2 1 Rutgers 6 0 Sacred Heart Saint Joseph’s 0 3 1 0 Saint Louis Saint Peter’s 11 1 0 Savannah State University 1 Seton Hall 9 10 Siena 5 8 2 0 South Carolina Southern 1 0 Southern California 1 1 St. Francis N.Y. 3 1 St. John’s 12 6 3 0 Stony Brook Syracuse 0 4 Texas 2 0 Texas A&M 0 1 UNC Asheville 1 0 USF 1 2 Vanderbilt 1 0 3 1 Vermont Villanova 5 15 Virginia 0 1 0 1 Virginia Tech Wagner 1 0 Wake Forest 0 1 Washington 1 0 West Virginia 0 1 Wichita State 0 1 William and Mary 1 1 Xavier 7 8 Yale 2 1 _______________________________ Total
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273 191
69 72
Support Staff
Support Staff
JEFF BATTLE
ASSISTANT COACH
ASSISTANT COACH
Jeff Battle enters his sixth season as an assistant coach at Providence College.
Brian Blaney enters his tenth season as an assistant coach at Providence College.
Jeff Battle has served as an assistant coach at Providence College for five seasons. In his five seasons with the Friars, Battle has helped lead the Friars to a 102-66 mark (.607), which included three NCAA Tournament appearances and one NIT. Prior to coming to Providence, Battle had served as the Associate Head Coach at Wake Forest from 2001-14. Battle spent 13 seasons on the Wake Forest basketball staff, serving as associate head coach under Skip Prosser, Dino Gaudio and Jeff Bzdelik. Battle was instrumental in Wake Forest’s success over his 13 seasons as the Deacons reached a No. 1 national ranking in 2005 and again in 2009, won a school-record 27 games in 2005, advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in 2004 and won the 2003 ACC regular season title. Wake Forest averaged almost 20 wins per season and made six NCAA Tournament appearances during Battle’s tenure. During his tenure at Wake Forest, Battle played a key role in the development of former NBA All-Stars Chris Paul (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Jeff Teague (Minnesota Timberwolves) as well as current point guard Ish Smith (Washington Wizards). Battle helped bring a number of highly-ranked recruiting classes to Wake Forest. Wake Forest’s 2010 recruiting class was ranked No. 6 in the nation according to ESPN, while the Deacons’ 2008 class was ranked No. 3 in the country by Rivals.com. Battle also helped bring in the No. 10-ranked recruiting class in 2006, the No. 16 class in 2003 and the No. 30 class in 2007, all according to Rivals. Wake Forest’s 2012 recruiting class was ranked No. 21 in the country by ESPN. Battle went to Wake Forest after spending seven seasons at Xavier University as an assistant coach under Skip Prosser. Battle coached alongside Prosser for 14 years and at three different institutions. He was on the Loyola (Md.) College staff in 1993-94 when Prosser made his head coaching debut, then joined him on the sidelines at Xavier before going to Winston-Salem prior to the start of the 2001-02 season. Prior to Loyola, Battle was an assistant coach for three seasons at Delaware State from 199093. He also served as head coach at Caesar Rodney High School in Dover, Del. from 1986-88. Battle began his college coaching career as a graduate assistant at Delaware (1986-88) under coach Steve Steinwedel. As an undergraduate, Battle played four seasons at Marshall, helping the Thundering Herd compile a record of 82-38 from 1982-85. Battle was the starting point guard and a captain in his junior and senior seasons, guiding Marshall to two consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. Battle received his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Marshall. He also received his master’s degree in physical education from Delaware in 1988. He has one son, Jordan.
Brian Blaney has served as an assistant coach at Providence College for nine seasons. Blaney has spent the past 12 seasons working as an assistant under Ed Cooley. He has been instrumental in helping the Friars achieve success over the past nine seasons as the team has reached seven post seasons, including five NCAA Tournament appearances. Before coming to Providence, Blaney spent three seasons as an assistant men’s basketball coach under Ed Cooley at Fairfield University. In his three seasons at Fairfield, the team posted a 65-34 mark (.657). Blaney helped the Stags post a school-record 25 wins and capture a Metro Atlantic regular season title in 2010-11. The team finished with a 25-8 mark and advanced to the second round of the NIT. In 2009-10, Fairfield recorded a 23-11 mark and earned the team’s first post-season berth since 2003. Prior to coaching at Fairfield, Blaney spent four seasons as a member of the Loyola College basketball staff. He was an assistant coach with the Greyhounds for the first two seasons before moving into the associate head coach position for 2006-07 and 2007-08. Blaney was an assistant coach for one year at Miami (Ohio) University under Herb Sendek. He helped the team earn a berth to the 1996 National Invitation Tournament (NIT), and coached Wally Szczerbiak through his first year as a college player. From there, Blaney accepted an assistant coaching position at George Washington University, where he worked with Mike Jarvis for two seasons and Tom Penders for one year. During his tenure, the Colonials participated in one NIT (1997) and two NCAA Tournaments (1998 and 1999). After his three-year stay with George Washington, Blaney joined Nick Macarchuk’s staff at Fordham University. He stayed with Macarchuk when he took the Stony Brook University position, leading the Seawolves transition from Division II to Division I. Blaney stayed on staff for five years, leaving the program following the 2003-04 campaign. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., where he spent one season following his graduation from Roanoke College in 1994. At Roanoke College, Blaney helped lead the Maroons to a 61-20 record during his four-year career, and a berth to the Division III Tournament as a senior. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology. He is the son of former coach George Blaney, who served as the head coach at the College of the Holy Cross and Seton Hall University and associate head coach at the University of Connecticut.
BIRTHDATE: October 26, 1961 FAMILY: Son, Jordan (26) HIGH SCHOOL: Dobbins Technical High School ‘83 COLLEGE: Marshall ‘85 Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education Delaware ’88 Master’s Degree in Physical Education 70
BRIAN BLANEY
COACHING: Assistant Coach, Providence, 2015-Present Associate Head Coach, Wake Forest, 2001-14 Assistant Coach, Xavier University, 1995-01 Assistant Coach, Loyola, 1993-94 Assistant Coach, Delaware State, 1990-93 Head Coach, Caesar Rodney High School, 1988-90 Graduate Assistant, Delaware, 1986-88
BIRTHDATE: March 19, 1971 FAMILY: Wife, Tara; Daughter, Brooke (9) HIGH SCHOOL: St. John’s Shrewsbury ‘89 Worcester Academy ‘90 COLLEGE: Roanoke College ‘94 Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology
COACHING: Assistant Coach, Providence College, 2011-Present Assistant Coach, Fairfield University, 2008-11 Assoc. Head Coach, Loyola College, 2006-08 Assistant Coach, Loyola College, 2004-06 Assistant Coach, Stony Brook, 1999-04 Assistant Coach, George Washington, 1996-99 Assistant Coach, Miami (Ohio), 1995-96 Assistant Coach, Hargrave Military Academy, 1994-95 71 74
Support Staff
Support Staff
IVAN THOMAS
KEVIN KURBEC
ASSISTANT COACH
DIRECTOR OF BASKETBALL OPERATIONS Kevin Kurbec enters his tenth season at Providence College.
Ivan Thomas enters his sixth season at Providence College. Ivan Thomas has been an assistant coach at Providence College for the past five seasons. Thomas has helped the Friars achieve success during those five seasons as the squad has posted a 102-66 record (.607). During those five seasons, the Friars have made four postseason appearances, including three NCAA Tournaments. Thomas came to Providence College after serving as a head high school basketball coach for 13 years and as an AAU coach for the Boo Williams 17U Team for 13 years. He spent his first season with the Friars as the Associate Director of Player Development/Video Operations. In June of 2016 he was promoted to Assistant Coach. In 2008, he became the head coach of Kecoughtan High School (Hampton, Va.) where he coached for seven years, registering a 127-60 mark. In 2010 and 2012, Thomas led Kecoughtan to the Peninsula District title. Prior to coaching at Kecoughtan, he guided the T.C. Williams High School (Alexandria, Va.) boys basketball team (2005-08). In Thomas’ three seasons at T.C. Williams High School, his teams posted a 75-9 mark and won the District title each season, including 2008 when the squad captured the state title and he was named Virginia Coach of the Year. In 2002, Thomas was named the head coach at Edison High School in Alexandria, Va. He coached Edison for three seasons. His first coaching position was at Schaumburg High School in Schaumburg, Ill. He was an assistant coach at Schaumburg for three years (1999-01), including 2000 when the team captured the Illinois State title. Thomas received his master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University `99 and his master’s degree in educational leadership from George Mason University `03, as well as his bachelor’s degree in sociology from VCU `97. Thomas was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. He is married to Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas, and they have three children, Christopher, Taylor, and Jordan Thomas.
BIRTHDATE: July 29, 1980 FAMILY: Wife, Melissa; Son, Cameron (9); Daughters, Kyra (11), Caylee (9) HIGH SCHOOL: Smithfield `98 COLLEGE: Providence College `04 Master’s Degree in Business Providence College `02 Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, Minor in Finance EXPERIENCE: Coordinator of Basketball Operations, 2015-present Assoc. Dir. Of Player Development, Providence College, 2011-2015 Assistant Coach, Bryant University, 2008-11 Dir. of Basketball Operations, Providence College, 2005-08 Grad Assistant, Providence College, 2002-05 Manager, Providence College, 1998-2002
Kevin Kurbec, a 2002 graduate of the College, enters his tenth season at Providence College, under Ed Cooley. In 2015, he was promoted to Director of Basketball Operations. Kurbec returned to Providence College in 2011 as Associate Director of Player Development/Video Operations after spending three seasons as an assistant coach at Bryant University for Head Coach Tim O’Shea. Kurbec’s duties at Bryant included individual guard development, recruiting and opponent scouting. Kurbec also served as Director of the Bryant University Team Camp each summer. Prior to working at Bryant, Kurbec spent 10 years at Providence College working with the men’s basketball program for Head Coach Tim Welsh. Kurbec was the Director of Basketball Operations for three seasons and was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office. Another major component of his job was monitoring the team’s academic progress and serving as the liaison with the office of academic services. Kurbec also served as the co-director of the Tim Welsh Summer Basketball Camp. Kurbec spent three seasons (2002-05) as a graduate assistant with the men’s basketball program. As a graduate assistant for the program, he ovesaw the student managers, coordinated the team’s meals at home and was responsible for the organization of the game scouting. Kurbec also served as the flim exchange coordinator for the Friars. As an undergraduate, Kurbec served as a manager for the squad for four years, including his junior and senior seasons when he was the head student manger. As a student manager, he assisted in many aspects of the program, including the ordering, issuance and care taking of the team’s equipment and gear. He and his wife, Melissa, their son, Cameron, and two daughters, Kyra and Caylee, reside in Cumberland, Rhode Island.
BOB WALSH ASSOC. DIR. OF PLAYER DEV., SCOUTING AND RECRUITING COORD.
FAMILY: Wife, Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas; Daughters, Taylor (17), Jordan (14); Son, Christopher (22) HIGH SCHOOL: Norview `93 COLLEGE: George Mason `03 Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership Virginia Commonwealth `99 Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling Virginia Commonwealth `97 Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology 72
COACHING: Assistant Coach, Providence College, 2016-Present Associate Director of Player Development/Video Operations, 2015-16 Head Coach, Boo Williams 17U Team, 2002-15 Head Coach, Kecoughtan High School, 2008-15 Head Coach, T.C. Williams High School, 2005-08 Head Coach, Edison High School, 2002-05 Assistant Coach, Schaumburg High School, 1997-00
Bob Walsh returned to Providence College to work for Head Coach Ed Cooley in 2019. The 2019-20 season marked his first season with the Friars overseeing the development, scouting and recruiting efforts for the men’s basketball program. It is his second stint at Providence as he served as an assistant coach for the Friars from 1998-05. Walsh came to Head Coach Ed Cooley’s staff with significant experience. He served as a head coach at the University of Maine from 2014-18. Prior to coaching at Maine, Walsh was the head coach at Rhode Island College for nine seasons (2005-14). In his 13 years as a head coach, Walsh posted a 228-163 mark (.583), including a 137-79 record (.634) in conference play. He guided Rhode Island College to eight NCAA Tournament appearances, which included three Sweet 16s and one Elite 8. Walsh began his career as a graduate assistant with the Iona College men’s basketball team in 1994. After working for two seasons with the Gaels, he spent one season at the University of San Diego as an assistant coach (1997-98). Walsh then was hired as an assistant coach under Friar Head Coach Tim Welsh in 1998. As an assistant at Providence, he helped guide the Friars to the NCAA Tournament in 2001 and 2004. He also helped mentor Friar all-time leading scorer Ryan Gomes. He is the founder of the Dynamic Leadership Academy for young leaders and coaches. Walsh also is the host of the Dynamic Leadership Podcast on AthleticDirectorU.com. A 1994 graduate of Hamilton College, Walsh lives in Newport, R.I. with his wife, Alicia.
BIRTHDATE: February 23, 1972 FAMILY: Wife, Alicia HIGH SCHOOL: Regis High School ‘90 COLLEGE: Iona College ‘96 - Master’s Degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations Hamilton College ‘94 Bachelor Degree in Sociology EXPERIENCE: Technical Director, IMG Academy, 2018-19 Head Coach, University of Maine, 2014-18 Head Coach, Rhode Island College, 2005-14 Assistant Coach, Providence College, 1998-05 Assistant Coach, University of San Diego, 1997-98 Graduate Assistant, Iona College, 1994-96
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Support Staff
Support Staff
CHRIS HAGEMANN
KENNETH WHITE
ATHLETIC TRAINER FOR MEN’S BASKETBALL
BIRTHDATE: April 4, 1982 FAMILY: Wife, Kristin; Son, Topher (3) COLLEGE: University of Connecticut ‘07 Master’s Degree in Education Ithaca College ‘04 Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training and Exercise Science EXPERIENCE: Assistant Athletic Trainer, Providence College, 2018-Present Men’s Basketball Athletic Trainer, Davidson, 2012-18 Assistant Director of Sports Medicine, Fairfield University 2007-12 Head Football Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer, University of Connecticut, 2005-07 Assistant Athletic Trainer, Colgate University, 2004-05
Chris Hagemann is the primary athletic trainer for the men’s basketball. He came to Providence College after serving as the men’s basketball athletic trainer for six seasons at Davidson College. During his tenure at Davidson, which began in 2012, Hagemann acted as a preceptor for UNC-Charlotte student athletic trainers and oversaw the work-study program for the athletic training room. He also worked as an athletic trainer for the 2013, 2015 and 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournaments, as well as the 2014 and 2016 NIT Tournaments. Hagemann was a four-year letter winner on the football team at Ithaca College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training/exercise science in 2004. After graduating from Ithaca, Hagemann spent one year as the assistant athletic trainer for men’s soccer, women’s basketball and softball at Colgate University. Hagemann also attended the University of Connecticut, where he earned his master’s degree in education with a concentration in sport management in 2007. While at UConn, he spent two years as the head football graduate assistant athletic trainer. He was appointed the assistant director of sports medicine at Fairfield University in 2007. Hagemann spent five years at Fairfield serving as the athletic trainer for men’s lacrosse, women’s soccer and golf. Hagemann and his wife, Kristin, and their son, Topher, reside in Cranston, R.I.
MATTHEW GARVEY
HEAD STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH Kenneth White enters his 18th year with Providence College.
BIRTHDATE: September 13, 1970 COLLEGE: Columbia University ‘99 Master’s Degree in Applied Physiology University of Vermont ‘92 Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science CERTIFICATION:CSCS - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist USA Weightlifting Coach EXPERIENCE: Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Providence College, 2003-Present Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Stony Brook University, 1999-03 Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, St. Bonaventure University, 1997-99 Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Columbia University, 1995-97 Assistant Men’s Varsity Basketball Coach, New York University, 1994-95 Physical Fitness Instructor, New York Athletic Club, 1992-94
Kenneth White enters his 18th year as the Providence College’s strength and conditioning coach. White is responsible for all the strength and conditioning requirements for the College’s 19 varsity athletic teams. In addition to overseeing and working with all 19 teams, he works directly with the men’s basketball team’s strength and conditioning programs. Prior to coming to Providence, White was the head strength and conditioning coach at Stony Brook University. In 1997, he was hired as the first strength and conditioning coach ever at St. Bonaventure University, a position he held until leaving for Stony Brook in 1999. White began his career in strength and conditioning in 1995 as a graduate assistant at Columbia University. A 1992 graduate of the University of Vermont, White was a four-year letterman in basketball at the University of Vermont and was co-captain of the squad his senior year. He led the North Atlantic Conference in assist-to-turnover ratio for three years. For his efforts on the court, White was elected to the Catamount Hall of Fame on October 4, 2002. White received his master’s degree from Columbia University in 1999. White is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He also has a Club Coach/Olympic Weightlifting Certification from USA Weightlifting.
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD COACH/ VIDEO COORDINATOR
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BIRTHDATE: March 10, 1993 COLLEGE: Providence College ‘18 Master’s Degree in Education Providence College ’16 Bachelor’s Degree in Economics Business Studies Certificate EXPERIENCE: Special Assistant to Head Coach, 2018-Present Graduate Assistant for Men’s Basketball, Providence College, 2016-18 Director of Operations for the Ed Cooley Basketball Camp, Providence College, 2013-18 Student Manager for Men’s Basketball, Providence College, 2012-16
Matthew Garvey has worked as the Special Assistant to Head Coach Ed Cooley for the past two seasons. He also serves at the Video Coordinator. Prior to being named Special Assistant to the Head Coach/Video Coordinator Garvey spent six years working with the Friar men’s basketball program. He was an undergraduate manager (2012-16) and a graduate assistant (2016-18) on Ed Cooley’s staff. Garvey oversees all content for the men’s basketball social media accounts, attends on and off-campus functions to assist with preparation for the events, and works in conjunction with the athletic media department to control video operations in the Ruane Friar Development Center. Garvey’s duties as a graduate assistant included developing scouting reports, supervising the 12 student managers and facilitating campus visits for recruiting candidates. Garvey also played an essential role as the Director of Operations for the Ed Cooley basketball camp. He served as a guest speaker, coach and marketing coordinator for multiple camps of 250 or more participants. Garvey received his master’s degree in education from Providence College in 2018 as well as his bachelor’s degree in economics with a certificate in business studies from Providence College in 2016. He is single and resides in Providence.
SUPPORT STAFF
STEVE NAPOLILLO Asst. Vice President/Senior Associate Athletic Director External Relations
SUSAN GIBREE Senior Office Manager
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Support Staff
JAIME LIPSKI
ACADEMIC COORDINATOR FOR MEN’S BASKETBALL
BIRTHDATE: March 15, 1989 HIGH SCHOOL: Lake-Lehman ‘07 COLLEGE: Providence College ‘13 Master’s Degree in Education Providence College ‘11 Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology Business Studies Minor EXPERIENCE: Assoc. Dir. Of Student-Athlete Development & Academic Services, Saint Francis University, 2017-2019 Assist. Field Hockey Coach, Saint Francis University, 2013-2017 Assoc. Coordinator of Marketing and Facilities, Saint Francis University, 2016 Grad Assistant, Providence College, 2012-2013
Jaime Lipski enters her second season working as the academic coordinator for the men’s basketball team. She is responsible for monitoring the academic progress, fostering the student-athletes’ academic growth and development, and developing partnerships with faculty to promote student success. Lipski returned to Providence College with extensive experience in the field of academic support. Most recently, she was the associate director of student-athlete development and academic services at Saint Francis University. Lipski spent the last two years as the academic advisor for a number of teams, including the football and men’s basketball squads. She worked with the student-athletes to monitor their academic progress and provide support services. Lipski also was responsible for academic plans to monitor progress towards degrees, as well as assisting with scheduling and registration process for the student-athletes. Lipski was a four-year member of the Friar field hockey team and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology in 2011. She was a two-time All-Big East Second Team selection and was named to the NFHCA AllNortheast Region Team three times, including a first-team spot as a junior in 2009. Lipski was a three-time member of both the NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad and the BIG EAST Academic All-Star team. After her playing career concluded, she served as a graduate assistant in Providence’s athletic department for two years. Lipski earned her Masters of Education in Counseling from the Providence College in 2013.
College Administration REV. KENNETH R. SICARD, O.P. PRESIDENT Father Kenneth R. Sicard was named Providence College’s 13th president on Oct, 4, 2019 and took office on July 1, 2020. Father Sicard holds a Ph.D. in business education from The Ohio State University, awarded in 1997. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Providence College in 1978 and a master’s degree in business administration from the College in 1982. He is a native of Westport, Mass., From 1978-1984, prior to entering the Dominican Order of Preachers, he was employed by Fleet Financial Group in Providence, beginning in an entry-level position and rising to audit manager. Father Sicard was ordained to the priesthood in 1990. He holds a master of divinity degree and a bachelor of sacred theology degree from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. His first assignment after ordination was to Ohio Dominican College in Columbus, where he served as chaplain and a full-time faculty member, teaching courses in finance, money and banking, auditing, and accounting from 1990-1997. He also was responsible for the spiritual and sacramental needs of students and Dominican religious sisters. Father Sicard returned to PC to serve as dean of residence life from 1997-2005. He oversaw the supervision and security of all residence halls, the department’s operating budget, the hiring and supervision of more than 100 staff, and the creation of policies that ensured a quality of life for students consistent with the College’s mission.
During that time, he also served the Dominican Province of St. Joseph as director of vocations for two years. In addition, he served as provincial treasurer from 2002-2010 and as a member of the Economic Council from 2010-2016, working on behalf of the Order in international operations related to portfolio management, accounting operations, property sales and acquisitions, construction and renovation, and financial planning. In 2005, he was appointed College executive vice president and treasurer by Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80, who took office as PC’s 12th president on July 1. In that role, Father Sicard directly supervised many College operations, including athletics, student affairs, general counsel, mission and ministry, external affairs and marketing, human resources, and public safety. Father Sicard served as the president’s chief of staff and as a member of the President’s Senior Cabinet. He oversaw the creation of three of the College’s strategic plans, including PC200, adopted in 2018. Father Sicard served as acting PC president from July 2018 to December 2018 while Father Shanley was on sabbatical.
PRESIDENTS OF THE COLLEGE 1918-2020 Dennis A. Casey, O.P. William D. Noon, O.P. Lorenzo D. McCarthy, O.P. John J. Dillon, O.P. Frederick C. Foley, O.P. Robert J. Slavin, O.P. Vincent C. Dore, O.P. William P. Haas, O.P. Thomas R. Peterson, O.P. John F. Cunningham, O.P. Philip A. Smith, O.P. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. Kenneth R. Sicard
1918-21 1921-27 1927-36 1936-44 1944-47 1947-61 1961-65 1965-71 1971-85 1985-94 1994-05 2005-20 2020 -
VICE PRESIDENTS
SUPPORT STAFF
Ann Manchester-Molak Executive Vice President
ALEX CARRIERO Graduate Manager Milford, Conn. Providence 2019 Management MA (Higher Education)
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LUKE HENNESSY Graduate Assistant Olean, N.Y. Providence 2019 Marketing MA (Higher Education)
JACK DONIUS Graduate Assistant Hingham, Mass. Providence 2020 English MBA
Dr. Sean Reid Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Rev. Michael J. Cuddy, O.P. Vice President for Mission and Ministry
John M. Sweeney Senior Vice President for Finance and Business/CFO
Christopher Neronha Vice President/ General Counsel
Gregory T. Waldron Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Bob Driscoll Vice President/ Director of Athletics
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Director of Athletics
Director of Athletics
ROBERT G. DRISCOLL, JR.
Directors Of Athletics At PC Through The Years
VICE PRESIDENT/ DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Bob Driscoll shares a moment with Kris Dunn and Coach Ed Cooley when Dunn was awarded Big East Player of the Year in 2016. Having completed his 19th season as Providence College’s Vice President and Athletics Director, Bob Driscoll has transformed and reinvigorated Providence College’s athletics program. He has established a vision of studentathlete success in the classroom and in the community while competing for championships. Driscoll maintains focus on leading, fostering and mentoring one of the nation’s most respected athletic programs. Over the past seven years, Driscoll has been the architect of one of the most successful eras in the history of Providence College athletics. The Friars continued their success during 2019-20, with the men’s soccer team advancing to the NCAA Third Round after posting a 16-7 overall record. It was the program’s fourth NCAA Tourmament bid in eight seasons under head coach Craig Stewart. The Men’s basketball team concluded the season as one of the hottest teams in the NCAA, winning its final six games with three coming against top-20 opponents. Abbey Wheeler of the women’s track and field team was named the USTFCCCA Northeast Region Women’s Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year after winning the 3,000 and 5,000-meter events at the BIG EAST Championships. Her mark in the 5,000-meter event qualified for the NCAA Championships. Over the course of the last decade, Providence College has enjoyed sustained success in addition to capturing multiple championships beginning with the 2013 women’s cross country team claiming the College’s second NCAA title. It continued with the men’s basketball team winning the 2014 BIG EAST Tournament title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament in five-consecutive seasons from 2014-18. The men’s hockey team made two Frozen Four appearances and six-consecutive NCAA Tournaments, including its first NCAA Championship with a dramatic, come-from-behind win over Boston University on April 11, 2015 at the TD Garden. It marked the College’s third NCAA team title and its first in a men’s sport. In 2020, Driscoll was recognized with the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association Builders’ Award. For the second time in his tenure, Driscoll was recognized as the Under Armour I-AAA Athletics Director of the Year at the 51st Annual National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) convention in June 2016. In June 2008, Driscoll also was named the 2007-08 Astro Turf Athletics Director of the Year for the Division I Northeast Region at the 43rd National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Annual Convention.
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The Friars also have excelled in the classroom, with Providence’s studentathletes combining for an average GPA of 3.37. After a school-record six Providence College athletic programs received Public Recognition Awards in 2014 as part of the NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) program, three Friar teams earned the honor in 2015 and two teams, women’s swimming & diving and women’s tennis, earned recognition awards in 2016 and 2017. In 2018 and 2019, five programs earned recognition awards. Multiple Friar teams have been honored in each of the 15 years the NCAA has given out the Public Recognition Awards. Aside from excelling in the classroom and competing for championships, Driscoll’s student-athletes are very active in the local community. Last year alone, Friar student-athletes combined for 3,245 hours of community service at 145 events serving 33 organizations. The economic impact of those hours totaled $82,525. Providence was named a runner-up for the 2018 NACDA Community Service Award, earning $5,000 to donate to local charities. The Friars recently finished fifth overall in the NCAA Division I Team Works Community Service competition in 2020, with the volleyball, softball and lacrosse programs each finishing among the top-10 among their Division I counterparts in the sport specific standings. One of the biggest impacts Driscoll has had on the Providence College Athletics Department, and the College as a whole, has been with facility development, construction and renovation. Construction of Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium was completed in 2015, where the men’s and women’s soccer and men’s lacrosse programs play. The college also built a new softball complex, known as Glay Field, in addition to building six tennis courts adjacent to Anderson Stadium. He also oversaw the 2013 renovation of Schneider Arena – home of the Friar men’s and women’s hockey teams. In August 2018, construction was completed on the $35 million Ruane Friar Development Center — a men’s basketball training and recruiting facility. The 58,218 square foot Friar Ruane Development Center also houses the athletic department’s Innovation Lab – a state-of-the-art facility that is available to each of our 350+ NCAA Division I student-athletes. The lab is part of the overall Sports Medicine Department, with a primary focus on rest and recovery. Kicking off Driscoll’s vision for the improved athletic facilities footprint at Providence College, the Concannon Fitness Center, opened in August of 2007, adjacent to Lennon Family Field (Astroturf facility), which was completed in August 2005. A new Astroturf surface was installed on Lennon Family Field in the summer of 2017 in addition to a new videoboard in the summer of 2018.
Other facility upgrades that have highlighted Driscoll’s tenure include an $80-million renovation of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, which serves as the home venue for Friars men’s basketball. The project was the result of Driscoll working strategically with lead officials in the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island. The renovations enhanced the game-day experience by adding 20 luxury boxes, new seats, a video scoreboard, sound system, updated restaurant and concession stands, team store, locker rooms and new weight training/fitness areas. These renovations have enabled Providence College to serve as host for the First and Second Rounds of the 2010, 2016, and the future 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. Driscoll established the athletic fundraising philosophy and the Friars Athletic Fund, led by its fundraising and development staff, has been instrumental in making program upgrades possible. The athletic department has exceeded fundraising goals on a yearly basis, reaching $7-million in cash donations during the 2019-20 fiscal calendar. The additional revenue remains critical to building and supporting championship programs and providing the best opportunities to Providence College’s student-athletes. The funds Driscoll and his staff raise help directly support each of the College’s 19 NCAA Division I programs, the Friars Forever Fund and capital projects. In 2019, he was named as the AD Representive for the BIG EAST Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. This group is tasked to review policies, initiatives and best practices among BIG EAST member institutions and other athletics conferences and develop strategies designed to enhance the athletics-related D&I efforts already underway on BIG EAST campuses. In collaboration with the Office of Instituational Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Driscoll helped create a position on campus: “Director of Training and Education for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.” This goal of this position is to strengthen and build upon the College’s efforts to cultivate policies, practices and structures that ensure an inclusive, equitable and hospitable environment for students, student-athletes, staff, trainers and coaches. In the past, Driscoll has served as the President of the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association. He also has served as First Vice President and Second Vice President for the organization. Driscoll previously served on the NCAA Division I Management Council, the NCAA Ice Hockey Championship Committee (Chair 2010-11) and was the Chair of the BIG EAST Athletic Directors in 2011-12. Driscoll also was an NCAA Fellows Programs Executive Mentor. Currently, Driscoll serves on the BIG EAST Finance Committee with the league’s other presidents and also is a Chair for the Hockey East Board of Directors. Additionally, Driscoll represents the BIG EAST’s athletic directors on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, serves as a mentor for the
Francis A. Howley, O.P. - January, 1920 - December, 1925 Frederick J. Baeszler, O.P. - December, 1925 - December, 1933 Edward H. Schmidt, O.P. - February, 1934 - December, 1937 Robert G. Quinn, O.P. - December, 1937 - January, 1940 Vincent C. Dore, O.P. - January, 1940 - September, 1941 Aloysius B. Begley, O.P. - September, 1941 - June, 1971 David R. Gavitt - June, 1971 - July, 1982 Louis A. Lamoriello - July, 1982 - April, 1987 John M. Marinatto - August, 1987 - July, 2001 Robert J. Driscoll, Jr. - November, 2001 - Present
Division I-AAA mentoring program and serves on the Hockey East Television Negotiations and Marketing Committees. Driscoll joined the Providence community after 14½ years in athletic administration at the University of California, Berkeley, culminating in serving as the Acting Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports. Driscoll was hired at Cal as the Associate Athletic Director for Student Services, a position he held for five years. He then assumed the position of Executive Associate Athletic Director, at which point he was responsible for the administration of 27 varsity sports, a staff of 250 and a $36 million budget. Prior to coming to Providence, he served as the Acting Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports. During his tenure, Cal won over 20 national championships and competed in the Citrus, Copper, Alamo and Aloha Bowls. The Bears also finished as high as 12th in the NACDA Directors’ Cup. Before arriving at Cal, Driscoll served six years (1981-87) as the Athletic Director and Chair of the Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Intramural Sports at Mills College in Oakland, Calif. Prior to Mills, Driscoll was Assistant Athletic Director and Head Baseball and Hockey Coach at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. from 1977-81. Driscoll played hockey, where he was captain and team MVP for three-consecutive years, and baseball at Ithaca College (N.Y.). He received a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 1974 and his Master of Science in physical education/psychology of sports from Ithaca in 1975. A native of West Concord, Mass., Driscoll was inducted into the inaugural class of Concord-Carlisle High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame (football, ice hockey and baseball) in 1993. He was also inducted into the 50th Anniversary Class of Ithaca College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. He and his wife Cathy have three grown children.
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