Niagara University women’s basketball head coach Kendra Faustin has received a contract extension through the 2017-18 season, announced today by the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., university president.
Faustin, who is in her seventh season as head coach, was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2010.
"We are pleased to reward Kendra for the extraordinary commitment that she has put into constructing a highly respected women’s basketball program at Niagara University," said Father Maher. "She has built something very special on Monteagle Ridge, creating a culture that ensures that our program will be among the best in the MAAC, and that our student-athletes will find great success, both on and off the court. Kendra is a highly respected leader on campus."
In 2012-13, the Purple Eagles finished 15-16 overall (9-9 in the MAAC), and advanced to the MAAC Tournament semifinals for a second consecutive season. It marked the first time in program history that the team made back-to-back appearances in the conference semifinals. Additionally, the 15 victories were the most for the program since the 2004-05 season and the most under Faustin.
Faustin has recruited and coached seven All-MAAC selections, one MAAC Sixth Player of the Year, one MAAC Rookie of the Year and three All-MAAC Rookie Team players during her tenure.
Faustin’s Purple Eagles have also excelled in the classroom. In the past six seasons, 34 Purple Eagles have been named to the MAAC All-Academic Team. The 2007-08 team was ranked 13th on the Academic Top 25 Honor Roll with a 3.361 cumulative team GPA. The program’s cumulative team GPA has exceeded 3.0 in each of Faustin’s six seasons leading the program.
"I am thrilled to be at Niagara University and for the opportunity to lead our women’s basketball program towards success on the court and in the classroom," said Faustin. "I would like to thank our outstanding leadership, Fr. Jim Maher, Dr. Bonnie Rose, Mike Jaszka and Steve Butler for their support of me and our women’s basketball program. I greatly appreciate their confidence in me and the vision I have leading our program forward. I would also like to thank my coaching staff and student-athletes for all of their hard work and dedication."
