Neumann University’s Director of Athletics and Recreation Chuck Sack has announced the hiring of Mary Beth McNichol as the school’s new Head Women’s Basketball coach.
McNichol arrives at Neumann after an exceptional 27-year tenure as the Head Basketball Coach at the Academy of Notre Dame in Villanova, Pa. With a record of 507-257 in her high school coaching career, McNichol led Notre Dame to thirteen 20-win seasons, four league championships and two Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association state titles.
In addition to her program’s success as a team, McNichol was also instrumental in developing players to compete at the next level. In her time as a coach at Notre Dame, she helped lead 37 of her players into collegiate playing careers, including 17 at the Division I level. 11 of her players also reached the 1000-point plateau in their high school careers.
A local product, McNichol graduated from Archbishop Prendergast High School in 1977 where she was an All-Catholic League and All-Delco performer. After high school, she took her talents to Villanova University where she was the first female student-athlete in program history to receive a full-scholarship. A four-year starter, she captained the team in 1979-80 and 1980-81, going on to be inducted into the Villanova Hall of Fame in 1997.
Chuck Sack, Director of Athletics and Recreation stated, “I am very pleased and excited to welcome Mary Beth as Neumann University’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach. Her leadership style and philosophy resonate with our institutional values and make her an ideal fit for our women’s basketball program and institution.”
Dr. Chris Domes, Neumann University’s President shared, “Mary Beth’s success in her career is a clear reflection of her commitment to good principled leadership and values. Her connection to our own institutional values was evident in her conversations with us and will provide a wonderful starting place for her as she takes up this new opportunity.”
McNichol will take over a Neumann team that went 20-8 last season. The Knights advanced all the way to the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) championship game, where they fell by a score of 71-64 to Cabrini University. Neumann team moves into the brand-new Atlantic East Conference this upcoming season.
“It is an honor and privilege to be named the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Neumann University”, said McNichol. “I am thrilled to join the Neumann community with its strong values, academic excellence and athletic success. This is an exciting time in Neumann athletics with the start of the new Atlantic East Conference. I look forward to being part of this outstanding Catholic community.”
McNichol is the 11th head coach in program history, dating back to 1968-69 when the team was formed. The Knights open their season on Thursday, November 8th with a home game vs. Wilkes College at 6:00 PM.
Photo Courtesy Neumann Athletics
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