After an extensive summer-long search, Purchase College Director of Athletics and Recreation Chris Bisignano is pleased to unveil Stephen Bower as the first-ever full-time head coach of the women’s basketball team.
Bower joins the Panthers with years of coaching experience across the NCAA, with his most recent stint coming at the University of New Haven, a Division II program, as the top assistant coach for the women’s team from 2018-2022.
Before that, Bower served as an assistant coach for a trio of Div. III men’s programs — The Catholic University of America (2016-18), Plymouth State University (2014-16) and Nichols College (2013-14).
In addition to his coaching responsibilities at Purchase, Bower will also serve as the department’s first-ever Recruiting Coordinator.
In the role, he will act as a liaison between athletics and the rest of campus in recruitment of potential student-athletes, as well as aiding coaches with recruiting throughout the year.
Prior to joining the professional ranks, Bower graduated from Sacred Heart University with a bachelor’s in sport management. During his time at SHU, Stephen worked as the team manager for the Div. I men’s basketball team for four seasons.
A few years later, he earned a master’s degree from Catholic in management.
Bower is just the second full-time head coach in the department, joining Dan Lawrence of men’s lacrosse.
As the new man in charge of the women’s basketball squad, Bower is tasked with overhauling a team that has struggled over the past few years.
After making the Skyline Conference playoffs and advancing to the semifinals during the 2018-19 campaign, the Panthers have combined for just six wins over the past two seasons.
However, Bower revealed that he is more than up for the challenge as a first-time head coach.
“I could not be more excited to be the Head Women’s Basketball Coach here at Purchase College. I want to thank Chris Bisignano and the search committee for granting me this incredible opportunity. It has always been a dream of mine to be a head coach at the collegiate level and I am very excited to immerse myself in this community. Go Panthers!”
Bower replaces former head coach Varrell Eddie, who departed in the spring after five seasons. The 2022-23 women’s basketball season will begin sometime in November.
Photo Courtesy Purchase College Athletics
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