Meet Meet The The
Staff
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Head Coach
Ed Cooley
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,” 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 eight seasons as a head coach, Cooley has posted an impressive 149-113 mark (.569). Most importantly, he guided the Friars to the 2014 BIG EAST Tournament title and their 16th appearance in the NCAA Tournament (2014). In each of Cooley’s eight seasons as a head coach his teams have shown improvement, which is a tribute to his ability to recruit and build a program. His 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
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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 fourth 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. 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. The squad also posted a 72-70 win over defending national champion Connecticut. Two of Cooley’s players earned BIG EAST honors in his
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, where he was a three-time captain for the basketball team, 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.
first season. Point guard Vincent Council was named AllBIG EAST Third Team and one of his first recruits, forward LaDontae Henton earned BIG EAST All-Rookie Team accolades. Cooley also has been involved with USA Basketball the last two years. In 2013, he 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. 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. In that win, Fairfield set a NCAA Division I post-season record as the team overcame a 27-point, second-half deficit to defeat George Mason in overtime. 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
What They’re Saying... “ I love him. He was so classy when he was going to leave Fairfield. He called my wife and me and wanted to explain. I told him there was no explanation needed. This is a great place for him. He did a home visit with us and he’s just a good guy. That’s going to be a strong suit for him. I think he’ll do a terrific job. He’s going to be able to recruit, which is so important, and h e knows the type of player he needs to win. ” — Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers Head Coach “ Ed Cooley has an infectious personality, a driving spirit to work hard and win, and is one of the warmest people you’ll meet. You can scour the country and find plenty of hometown success stories of coaches coming back to their alma maters or places where they grew up. But there will be few that can match the authenticity of Cooley and Providence. ” — Andy Katz, ESPN.com Senior College Basketball Writer
“ There’s a difference between working hard and being good at your job. Ed Cooley is good at his job and that’s what sets him apart. He is considered to be an outstanding coach by his peers. He knows what it means to go out and evaluate student-athletes. ” — Dave Telep, San Antonio Spurs Draft Scouting Coordinator “Some coaches just take jobs in college basketball, while some are made for their jobs. Ed Cooley is made for Friartown. He knows the state, he loves the city and he’s succeeded in New England recruiting his entire career. This is his dream job and he’s never thought about another one. When you talk to other head coaches in the Big East, the underlying theme about him remains the same -- the guy was born to coach at Providence.”
— Vin Parise, Fox Sports 1 & Cox Sports Television
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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
Third Year at PC: Second Year at PC: First Year at PC: Overall at PC: Overall at Fairfield: 8-Year CAREER: BIG EAST TOURNAMENT:
23-12/10-8 19-15/9-9 15-17/4-14 57-44 92-69 149-113 3-2
BIG EAST LEAGUE GAMES: 23-31 NON-LEAGUE GAMES AT PC: 33-12 NCAA TOURNAMENT: 0-1 (2014) NIT: 4-3 (2011, 2013)
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 and finished fourth...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.
Andre LaFleur was
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.
named the
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.
associate head coach of the Providence men’s basketball
2009-10 (23-11/13-5)...Team’s 23 wins were second highest in program’s history...Became the first Fairfield coach to post a .500 or better record in MAAC action in each of his first four seasons...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... Team also finished tied for fourth in league play. 2007-08 (14-16/11-7)...Led the Stags to an 11-7 mark in MAAC action and a fifth-place finish...It marked the team’s second straight winning record in conference action...Team posted a seven-game winning 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 fifthplace finish in his first season as a head coach.
Coaching Experience
2011- 2014 2013
2006-11 1997-06 1996-97 1995-96 1994-95
Record
Head Coach, Providence College 57-44 Assistant Coach, USA Basketball U18 Team Gold Medal, FIBA America Championship Court Coach, USA Basketball U19 Team Training Camp, FIBA World Championships Head Coach, Fairfield University 92-69 Assistant Coach, Boston College 175-108 Assistant Coach, Rhode Island 20-10 Assistant Coach, Stonehill College 16-10 Assistant Coach, UMass-Dartmouth 25-4
Tourneys
NCAA, NIT
NIT, CIT NCAA-5 times NCAA
Coaching Honors 2014 2011 2011 2010
Rhode Island Coach of the Year Metro Atlantic Athletic Conf. Coach of the Year U.S. Basketball Writers District 1 Coach of the Year Ben Jobe Award, National Coach of the Year
Coaching Record YEAR 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Career 74 68
SCHOOL Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Providence Providence Providence 8 years
RECORD 13-19 14-16 17-15 23-11 25-8 15-17 19-15 23-12 149-113
PCT .406 .467 .531 .676 .758 .469 .559 .657 .569
CONF. REC. 10-8 (.556) 11-7 (.611) 9-9 (.500) 13-5 (.722) 15-3 (.833) 4-14 (.222) 9-9 (.500) 10-8 (.556) 81-63 (.563)
FINISH 5th-Tied 5th-Tied 4th-Tied 2nd 1st 15th 9th 4th-Tied One Title
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 NCAA 0-1 7-7 4-4
team on April 18, 2011. BIRTHDATE: March 22, 1965 FAMILY: Wife, Alana; Sons, Adrian (19) and Adonis (9). HIGH SCHOOL: Governor Dummer Academy ‘83 COLLEGE: Northeastern ‘87 Bachelor’s Degree in Economics COACHING: Associate Head Coach, Providence College, 2011-Present Asst. Coach/Recruiting Coord., Univ. of Connecticut,2005-11 Assistant Coach, University of Connecticut, 2004-05 Dir. of Basketball Ops., University of Connecticut, 2001-04
LaFleur came to Providence after spending 10 seasons at the University of Connecticut during the most successful era in Husky basketball history. At UConn, he helped the Huskies capture two national championships (2004 and 2011) and record a 258-88 mark (.764). The team also went to a Sweet 16 and an Elite 8. LaFleur arrived at UConn in 2001 and spent three seasons as the team’s first ever director of basketball operations on Head Coach Jim Calhoun’s staff. In 2005, he was promoted to assistant coach for the Huskies. LaFleur was promoted again in 2006 when he was named the team’s recruiting coordinator. During his five years in the position, the squad reached the post season four times. LaFleur was instrumental in recruiting two of the greatest Huskies ever in Hasheem Thabeet, the 2009 Big East Player of the Year, the 2009 National Defensive Player of the Year and the No. 2 pick in the 2009 NBA draft, as well as, Kemba Walker, the No. 9 selection in the 2011 NBA draft. As a standout point guard in college, LaFleur played for Calhoun at Northeastern University. He helped Northeastern reach the NCAA tournament in each of his four years. During his four years at Northeastern, the Huskies registered a 102-26 mark, including an ECAC North Atlantic conference record of 60-6. LaFleur became the all-time NCAA Division 1 assist leader in 1987 (894 assists). Following his senior season when he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics, he was drafted by the Houston Rockets of the NBA. LaFleur played and coached professionally overseas for 11 seasons. A native of Los Angeles, Calif., LaFleur and his wife Alana have two sons, Adrian and Adonis.
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Bob Simon begins his
Brian Blaney enters his fourth season
fourth season at
as an assistant coach at Providence College.
Providence College and his ninth season with Head Coach Ed Cooley. Simon served as an assistant coach for his first three seasons at Providence before being promoted to Associate Head Coach in August 2014. Simon worked for five seasons as an associate head coach for Ed Cooley at Fairfield. Simon helped lead the Stags resurgence as the team posted a 92-69 record (.571) overall and a 58-32 mark (.578) in MAAC action during his time at Fairfield. The 92 wins were the most ever at Fairfield over a five-year span. In 2009-10, the team reached the post season after recording a 23-11 record. It was the Stags’ first post-season appearance since 2003. The following season, Fairfield reached new heights as the squad captured the MAAC regular-season title and advanced to the second round of the NIT. In advancing to the second round of the NIT, Fairfield won at Colorado State to earn the team’s first NIT victory in almost 40 years. The 2011 Fairfield Stags registered a school-record 25 wins and finished second in the nation for scoring defense, allowing just 57.8 points per game. By recording a 25-8 record in 2011, the team posted consecutive seasons with 20 or more victories for the first time in the history of the program. Prior to arriving at Fairfield, Simon spent six years at the University of Toledo, including three years as the associate head coach. The Rockets posted three 20-win seasons and captured two National Invitation Tournament berths (2001, 2004) during his time at Toledo. At Toledo, Simon’s duties included scouting, coordinating an academic program, overseeing summer camps, and on-floor coaching. He was also the program’s lead recruiter during his tenure. Simon began his collegiate coaching career at Wayne State University, spending nearly a decade with the Warriors. He coached the men’s team for eight seasons - five seasons as an associate head coach and three seasons as an assistant coach. During this time, Wayne State posted eight straight winning seasons, and reached the Division II Final Four in 1993. The Warriors captured three conference titles and made four NCAA Tournament appearances, including three trips to the Sweet 16. 70
BIRTHDATE: February 26, 1963 FAMILY: Wife, Donna; Son, Devin (23); Daughter, Bobbie (25). HIGH SCHOOL: Thurston ‘81 COLLEGE: Eastern Michigan ‘89 Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Technology Wayne State ‘97 - Master’s Degree in Sports Administration COACHING: Associate Head Coach, Providence College, 2014-present Assistant Coach, Providence College, 2011-14 Associate Head Coach, Fairfield University, 2006-11 Associate Head Coach, University of Toledo, 2003-06 Assistant Coach, University of Toledo, 2000-03 Head Women’s Coach, Wayne State, 1999-00 Associate Head Coach, Wayne State, 1994-99 Assistant Coach, Wayne State, 1991-94 Head Varsity Coach, Anderson High School, 1987-91 Assistant Varsity Coach, Thurston High School, 1985-87 Head J.V. Coach, Thurston High School, 1981-85 After eight seasons with the men’s program, Simon accepted a new challenge when he became the head women’s basketball coach at Wayne State. In his one season with the women’s team, Simon turned the program around by posting 13 wins. The team earned a conference tournament berth for the second time in history. Simon began his coaching career in the high school ranks where he gained 10 years of experience. He coached at Thurston High School in Redford, Mich., for six years and he was the varsity head coach for four years at Anderson High School in Southgate, Mich. Simon received his bachelor’s degree in manufacturing technology from Eastern Michigan University in 1989, and his master’s degree in sports administration from Wayne State in 1997. Simon and his wife Donna have a daughter, Bobbie, and a son, Devin.
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: March 19, 1971 FAMILY: Wife, Tara; Daughter, Brooke (3) 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
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Support Staff
Support Staff John Rock
Mike Jackson Coordinator of Basketball Operations
BIRTHDATE: April 28, 1973 FAMILY: Wife, Amira; Son, Mylan (13); Daughter, Amani (10) HIGH SCHOOL: University of Detroit Jesuit ‘91 COLLEGE: Detroit `95 Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administartion EXPERIENCE: Coord. of Basketball Ops., Providence College, 2011-present Assistant Coach, Purdue Univeristy, 2010-11 Assistant Coach, University of Michigan, 2005-10 Assistant Coach, University of Dayton, 2003-05 Assistant Coach, University of Toledo, 2001-03
Mike Jackson enters his fourth season at Providence College and his fourth season as the coordinator of basketball operations under Head Coach Ed Cooley. Jackson came to Providence after spending six seasons as an assistant coach in the Big Ten. In 2011, Jackson worked as an assistant coach at Purdue. Prior to that, he spent five years as an assistant coach at Michigan. Before going to Michigan, Jackson spent two years as an assistant coach at Dayton, where he helped guide the Flyers to an Atlantic 10 West Division title and NCAA Tournament berth in 2004. In 2001, Jackson joined the coaching staff at Toledo where he worked for two years. A 1995 graduate of Detroit University, Jackson began a five-year tenure as an assistant coach at his alma mater in 1996. During his time on the Titans’ coaching staff, he helped lead the program to four 20-win seasons, two conference titles and a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, where they advanced to the second round both times. Jackson also helped Detroit reach the semifinals of the 2001 NIT. Jackson was also a standout player for the Titans during his college career, becoming the first player in program history to score 1,000 points (1,125) and hand out 400 assists (422). He propelled Detroit to the 1994 MCC Tournament title, earning a spot on the all-tournament team for his efforts, and still ranks fifth on the Titans’ career charts for three-point field goals made (157) and attempted (428). During his career Jackson has coached and recruited a number of NBA players. Current and former NBA players that Jackson has coached are Willie Green (Detroit/Los Angeles Clippers), E’Twaun Moore (Purdue/Orlando Magic), JaJuan Johnson (Purdue/Houston Rockets), Robbie Hummel (Purdue/Minnesota Timeberwolves), Ekpe Udoh (Michigan/Milwaukee Bucks) and Brian Roberts (Dayton/New Orleans Pelicans). Jackson graduated from Detroit in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He and his wife, Amira, have two children, son Mylan (13) and daughter Amani (10).
Kevin Kurbec Associate Director of Player Dev./Video Ops.
BIRTHDATE: July 29, 1980 FAMILY: Wife, Melissa; Son, Cameron (3); Daughters, Kyra (5), Caylee (3) 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: Assoc. Dir. Of Player Development, Providence College, 2011-Present Assistant Coach, Bryant University, 2008-11 Dir. of Basketball Operations, Providence College, 2005-08
Kevin Kurbec, a 2002 graduate of the College, enters his fourth season as the associate director of player development under Ed Cooley. Kurbec returned to Providence College 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 oversaw 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 film exhange 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 manager. 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, R.I. 72
Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine John Rock enters his 27th season in the Sports Medicine Department at Providence College. Rock was an Associate Head Athletic Trainer for 13 years, before being promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine in 2001 and then to Associate Athletic Director in 2010. Rock oversees all aspects of the Sports Medicine program, including eight certified athletic trainers, five team physicians and a variety of medical specialists. Rock also is responsible for the Strength & Conditioning program. Rock’s work extends beyond PC. He was the co-founder of the Rhode Island Athletic Trainers Association in 1992 and served as president from 1994-96. He continues to serve in an advisory role. He was a member of the Rhode Island Department of Health Athletic Training Licensure Board from 1992-98 and served as chairman of the board for four years (1994-98). In addition, Rock helped establish the Sports Medicine Advisory Board of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League in 1997 and served on that board for five years. He helped establish and served as the first president of the BIG EAST Sports Medicine Society, which was formed in June 2006. After attaining a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Springfield College in 1980, Rock attended Western Michigan University, where he earned a master’s degree in athletic training in 1982. Rock then served as a teacher and athletic trainer at Leander High School in Leander, Texas in 1983 before spending one year in minor league baseball with the Baltimore Orioles organization. Rock began his career in collegiate athletics in 1984, he spent two years as the head athletic trainer at HampdenSydney College in Virginia. He was appointed assistant athletic trainer at Princeton University in 1986 and moved on to Providence in 1988. Rock was inducted into the RIATA Hall of Fame in 2007. Rock, a native of Riverside, R.I., currently lives in Cranston, R.I., with his wife, Patty, and their three children, Patrick (23), Abby (21) and Maggie (14).
Kenneth White
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Kenneth White enters his 13th 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.
BIRTHDATE: April 14, 1958 FAMILY: Wife, Patty; Son, Patrick (23); Daughters, Abby (21), Maggie (14) COLLEGE: Springfield College ’80 BS, Physical Education Western Michigan University ’82 MS, Athletic Training EXPERIENCE: Associate Athletic Director, Providence College, 2010-Present Assistant Athletic Director, Providence College, 2001-10 Associate Head Athletic Trainer, Providence College, 1988-01 Assistant Athletic Trainer, Princeton University, 1986-88 Head Athletic Trainer, Hampden-Sydney College, 1984-86 Athletic Trainer, Baltimore Orioles Organization, 1983-84 Athletic Trainer, Leander High School, 1982-83
BIRTHDATE: September 13, 1970 FAMILY: Single 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
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College Administration
Support Staff
Brian J. Shanley, O.P.
Marissa Zadrozny
President
Academic Coordinator for Men’s Basketball Marissa Zadrozny enters her third 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, being an effective referral agent, and developing partnerships with faculty to promote student success. Zadrozny came to Providence College with extensive experience in the field of academic support. Most recently, Zadrozny spent four years as an Academic Skills Specialist at Bryant University. At Bryant, she worked with student-athletes to develop effective study skills and habits and taught time management, organization and planning. She started her career in academic support in 1995 as an instructional assistant for student-athletes at Boston College. Zadrozny spent two years at BC before accepting a job at Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society. She worked as a training specialist, the associate director and eventually a consultant with the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Program at Sport in Society until 2008. A 1993 gradaute of Boston College, Zadrozny was a four-year letterwinner on the women’s basketball team. She also received her master’s degree in Secondary Education from Boston College in 1997. A native of Blairstown, N.J., Zadrozny resides in Cumberland, R.I. with her husband, Jim, and their three children Owen, Mia, and Rex.
Carl LaBranche
SUSAN GIBREE
Associate Athletic Director
Senior Office Manager
Men’s Basketball Administrator
Nikola Knezevic
Yorel Hawkins
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Manager
Belgrade, Serbia
Apex, N.C.
University of California 2010 –
Fairfield University 2011–
Interdisciplinary Studies
Sociology
MA (Counseling) 2015
MA (Counseling) 2016
On February 1, 2005, Providence College announced the election of Reverend Brian J. Shanley, O.P., to serve as the 12th president of the College. Father Shanley assumed his duties at the College on July 1, 2005, and succeeded Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P., who served as the College’s president from 1994-2005. Prior to his arrival at Providence, Father Shanley served as an associate professor in the School of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Father Shanley is a native of Warwick, Rhode Island. A parishioner at St. Gregory the Great Church, he attended local public schools, graduating from Toll Gate High School in 1976. In 1980, Father Shanley earned his undergraduate degree in history at Providence College. He holds a doctorate degree in philosophy from the University of Toronto, where he completed the Collaborative Providence in Philosophy and Medieval Studies. He also holds a master of divinity degree (theology) and the Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.), both from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. (Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception). Ordained to the priesthood in 1987, Father Shanley has devoted his entire career to teaching and administration in Catholic higher education. Following teaching assignments at Providence College and the University of Toronto, he began his tenure at The Catholic University of America in 1994, achieving the rank of associate professor in 2001. Father Shanley’s first teaching assignment was at Providence College from 1988-91. He was an instructor of philosophy, and taught in the Development of Western Civilization Program. Father Shanley spent the fall 2002 semester as a visiting professor at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He previously engaged in a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Philosophy of Religion in 1998-99.
As the Regent of Studies for the Dominican Province of St. Joseph, Father Shanley holds a seat on the Provincial Council, a body of 12 Dominican Friars serving as cabinet-level advisors to the Prior Provincial. He advises the Prior Provincial on all matters pertaining to the intellectual and academic life of the Province and oversees the academic endeavors of members of the Province, including those in preparation for the priesthood and those engaged in graduate studies. Father Shanley has been widely published in philosophy-focused academic journals and has been a guest lecturer at a wide range of scholarly conferences.
Presidents Of The College 1918-2014 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.
1918-21 1921-27 1927-36 1936-44 1944-47 1947-61 1961-65 1965-71 1971-85 1985-94 1994-05 2005-
VICE PRESIDENTS
FULL NAME: Marissa Mezzanotte Zadrozny BIRTH DATE: February 19, 1971 FAMILY: Husband, Jim; daughter, Mia (10); sons, Owen (12), Rex (8)
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COLLEGE: Boston College ’93 - Bachelor’s Degree in History Boston College ’97 – Master’s Degree in Secondary Education EXPERIENCE: Academic Coordinator Men’s Basketball, Providence College, 2012-Present Academic Skills Specialist, Bryant University, 2008-12 Consultant, Associate Director, Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society, 1997-08 Instructional Assistant, Boston College, 1995-97 Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, Babson College, 1995-97 Professional Basketball Player and Coach, Rhondda Basketball Club (Wales, U.K.), 1993-95
Matt Garvey
Anthony Notar
Student Manager
Student Manager
Woburn, Mass.
Schenectady, N.Y.
Providence 2016 –
Providence 2015 –
Economics
Management
Rev. Kenneth Sicard, O.P. Executive Vice President/Treasurer
Marifrances McGinn
Vice President/General Counsel
Gregory T. Waldron Senior Vce President for Institutional Advancement
John M. Sweeney
Senior Vice President for Finance and Business/CFO
Rev. R. Gabriel Pivarnik, O.P. Vice President for Mission and Ministry
Dr. Hugh Lena
Provost/Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Kristine Goodwin
Vice President of Student Affairs
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Director of Athletics Robert G. Driscoll, Jr.
Associate Vice President/Athletics Director
Entering his 13th season as Providence College’s Associate Vice President & Athletics Director, Bob Driscoll has transformed and reinvigorated Providence College’s athletics program. Having established a vision of student-athlete success in the classroom, in the community and in competing for championships, Driscoll maintains focus on fostering one of the nation’s most respected programs. During the 2013-14 academic year, Driscoll was the architect of one of the most successful seasons in Friar history. The women’s cross country team claimed the College’s second NCAA Championship, the men’s basketball team won the 2014 BIG EAST Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament and the men’s hockey team advanced to the NCAA East Regional Final. The men’s soccer team made a run to the BIG EAST Tournament title game and to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, while the men’s cross country team placed 16th at the NCAA Championship. Additionally, the women’s cross country and track teams combined to earn seven All-America honors in 2013-14. Men’s basketball senior guard Bryce Cotton, who led the BIG EAST in assists and led the nation in minutes played (39.9 mpg), earned Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America accolades and was named the BIG EAST Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Providence College finished 71st (out of 297) in the 2013-14 Division I Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. The Friars finished second in the nation among Division I non-FBS/FCS institutions and their 71st-place finish marked the highest final ranking under the direction of Driscoll. During Driscoll’s tenure, the Friars have finished in the top-100 of the Division I Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup standings six times and inside the top-125 during 10 of his 13 years as athletics director. The Friars also have excelled in the classroom and Providence’s student-athletes have combined for an average GPA of 3.02. Following the 2013-14 competition year, a schoolrecord six Providence College athletic programs received Public Recognition Awards as part of the NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) program. Multiple Friar teams have been honored in each of the nine years that the NCAA has given out the Public Recognition Awards. Epitomizing the drive for success in athletics and in the classroom, the 2013 women’s cross country team won the 2013 NCAA Championship, boasted three All-Americans, earned a NCAA Public Recognition Award for the third-consecutive season, was named the USTFCCCA Division I Scholar Team of the Year and senior co-captain Emily Sisson was named the BIG EAST Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Aside from excelling in the classroom and competing for championships, Driscoll’s student-athletes are very active in the local community. Last season alone, Friar studentathletes combined for over 2,300 hours of community service and raised over $17,000 for charitable causes. Some of the charitable efforts included working with Team IMPACT, taking part in Rhode Island’s reading week, volunteering at the Special Olympics and participating in Relay for Life. Driscoll helped position the College’s athletics program for success as a member of the reorganized BIG EAST Conference, where the Friars compete against top-flight academic and athletic institutions in a new era of rivalries built on rich athletic traditions. With a long-term television contract with FOX Sports and its marquee men’s basketball championship tournament at Madison Square Garden, the BIG EAST is poised for success. Additionally, Friar hockey will continue to compete in the Hockey East Association, one of the premier hockey conferences in the nation. 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. Since his arrival in 2001, Driscoll has transformed the College’s athletics facilities. Most recently, the initial phases of construction for a new soccer and lacrosse complex began in the summer of 2014. In September of 2013 a state-of-the art renovation and 30,000-square foot addition project to Schneider Arena was completed. The project included new locker rooms, new coaches’ offices, a renovated press box, a state-of-the-art video board and sound system, luxury boxes, as well as a new hockey and lacrosse strength and conditioning room. The Ray Treacy Track was built over the summer of 2013 to give the men’s and women’s cross country and track programs an improved place to train and race, as well as serving the whole Providence College community. Taylor Natatorium also underwent extensive renovations in 2013. Other facility upgrades that have highlighted Driscoll’s tenure include an $80 million
renovation of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the home of Friar 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 enabled Providence College to successfully serve as host for the First and Second Rounds of the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. In September of 2012, renovations of Alumni Hall were completed. Alumni Hall, which is the practice facility for men’s basketball and the home of the Friar women’s basketball and volleyball teams, is now a state-of-the-art facility. Kicking off Driscoll’s vision for the improved athletic facilities footprint at Providence College, the Concannon Fitness Center, an $18 million facility, opened in August of 2007, adjacent to the $6 million Lennon Family Field (Astroturf facility), which was completed in August 2005. The Fitness Center houses the Friars’ Jimmy Walker Strength and Conditioning Center for varsity student-athletes as well as administrative and coaching offices, conference rooms and locker rooms. Additionally, the Concannon Fitness Center serves the whole Providence College community and houses the recreation sports staff, furthering the bond between the campus community and Friar Athletics. Next, the Canavan Sports Medicine Center was completed in August of 2008. Driscoll established the athletic fundraising philosophy and department that has been instrumental in making program upgrades possible. He and his staff have exceeded fundraising goals on a yearly basis, achieving a 1,000% increase in fundraised dollars over a 12-year period. In July of 2014, Driscoll and his fundraising staff announced that they reached their goal of raising $4.2 million for the 2014 fiscal year. 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 all 19 of Providence College’s Division I programs, the Friars Forever Fund and capital projects. On June 10, 2008 Driscoll 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. He also was honored in 2009 by his alma mater, Ithaca College, when he received the Distinguished Sport Industry Leader award. Currently, Driscoll is serving his first year as the President of the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association. He also represents the BIG EAST’s athletic directors on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, serves as a mentor for the Division I-AAA mentoring program and serves on the Hockey East Television Negotiations and Marketing Committees. He 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 was an NCAA Fellows Programs Executive Mentor. 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. Prior to that, he was Cal’s Executive Associate Athletic Director and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department as well as overseeing football, men’s basketball, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s water polo, rugby, strength training, equipment and the sports medicine programs. 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 and baseball at Ithaca College (N.Y.), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 1974. He earned 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 and his wife Cathy have three grown children.
Directors Of Athletics At PC Through The Years
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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
The Driscoll Family: (left to right) Sean, Kelly, Bob, Tara, and Cathy.