Saint Joseph's University Announces Exciting New Era in Men's Basketball coaching with Steve Donahue

A New Era of Excellence: Saint Joseph's Men's Basketball

Saint Joseph's University is entering an exciting new chapter in its men's basketball program following the announcement made by Jill Bodensteiner, Vice President and Director of Athletics, regarding the appointment of Steve Donahue as the new head coach. This transition comes after the successful tenure of Billy Lange, who is moving to a front-office role with the New York Knicks, focusing on player development.

Billy Lange has been a transformative force within the program over the past six seasons, leading the Hawks to significant achievements, including consecutive Big 5 Classic titles and back-to-back postseason appearances. His coaching skills fostered remarkable player development, ultimately propelling Erik Reynolds II to become the Hawks' all-time leading scorer and guiding teammates like Rasheer Fleming to the NBA.

Lange's vision for the program was centered on creating a robust infrastructure that encompasses all aspects of successful collegiate sports—ranging from culture and facilities to ensuring student-athlete development. Under his leadership, the Hawks witnessed a degree of progress and sustainable growth, laying a solid foundation for future success.

As Billy embarks on this new path with the Knicks, both Jill Bodensteiner and President Cheryl A. McConnell reflect on his immense contributions and express gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the team's values. They also enthusiastically welcome Steve Donahue, highlighting his established record of success and deep connections to Hawk Hill.

Steve Donahue arrives at Saint Joseph's University after a commendable tenure as the head coach at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned the Ivy League Coach of the Year title in the 2017-2018 season. His ability to mentor players effectively has earned him respect across collegiate basketball, both regionally and nationally.

"From the moment I arrived on Hawk Hill, I have been profoundly impressed with the state of the program, which has fueled my excitement to lead this team," Donahue stated. He expressed admiration for the legacy and dedicated fan base of St. Joseph's, with deep familial ties to the university. This personal connection is significant, as numerous family members, including siblings and his son, have attended or worked at St. Joseph's.

Bodensteiner firmly believes that Donahue's distinguished career and understanding of the core values of Saint Joseph's will resonate with both players and fans alike, as he enters this new leadership role. With his rich coaching history, including notable success with Cornell, where he secured a Sweet 16 appearance, expectations are high for what Donahue can accomplish with the Hawks.

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 season, Coach Donahue's excitement is palpable as he prepares to lead the Hawks into a bright future, armed with a talented roster and a commitment to a winning culture. The upcoming exhibition match against Delaware on October 25 at Hagan Arena will mark the beginning of this exciting new phase in Saint Joseph's men's basketball.

As the Hawks gear up for their upcoming season under new guidance, hope runs high for continued success on the court, driven by the strong foundation laid by Coach Lange and the promise of Coach Donahue. The evolution of Saint Joseph’s basketball is sure to excite both current supporters and future fans alike.