Dowling College Vice President for Athletics Melody Cope has announced the hiring of Bill Carpenter as the Golden Lions new women’s basketball head coach.

"We are excited that Bill Carpenter will be our next Women’s Basketball coach. He was a major part of the staff that led our team to the 2013 National Championship game. More importantly, Bill is committed to guiding his student-athletes to success in their endeavors off the court. I am impressed with his vision, dedication, and passion for leading our Women’s Basketball program," stated Cope.

Carpenter will lead the Golden Lions after spending last season as an assistant for both the men’s and women’s programs. He assisted Coach Pellicane with player development and game strategy as they led the Golden Lions to back to back ECC regular season and tournament championships.

Last season the Dowling College women’s basketball team made history as they captured the NCAA Div. II East Region title becoming the first team in program history to earn a trip to the Elite Eight. The Golden Lions’ run reached the NCAA Div. II National Championship game and they finished with a program’s best 30-4 overall record.

"I am extremely grateful to Director of Athletics Melody Cope and the search committee for their belief in me and this opportunity. I truly believe it is a privilege to be a Head Coach. To be able to get my first opportunity here at Dowling with a school, program and roster that I have strong affection for makes me very fortunate," stated Carpenter. "I consider it a true honor to have the opportunity to take the baton from a distinguished leader and championship Coach like Joe Pellicane. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to lead a program with a special group of young ladies and a winning culture. The girls and I are eager to continue to the high standards that have been established on and off the court."

Prior to returning to Dowling, Carpenter’s most recent stop was at Northeastern University, where he served as assistant women’s basketball coach from 2007-2009. Carpenter also served as assistant coach at Fairleigh Dickinson during the 2004-05 season in addition to two seasons at Iona College.

Carpenter began his coaching career at Dowling College, where he served as an assistant coach for men’s basketball for two years. Carpenter switched over to women’s basketball at Dowling from 1999-2000, before returning to his alma mater, Long Island University.

At LIU, Carpenter helped guide the Blackbirds to two consecutive league championship games, winning the NEC title in 2001 and earning an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Carpenter was the Empire State Games Long Island Open Head Coach in 2001. He graduated from Long Island University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

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