St. Bonaventure University has hired Jim Crowley as the next women’s basketball coach, according to a release.
Crowley served as the head coach of the Bonnies from 2000-16 and the team made six postseason berths. In 2012, the team won 31 games and made the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. He won 258 games and won 21 or more games in six different seasons.
“Bonaventure is home. It never left me. The people, the memories and the spirit have always been in me,” Crowley said in the release. “It isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling; it’s a community that’s unmatched. I’m thrilled to come back. Thank you to Dr. Gingerich, Joe Manhertz and Steve Campbell for offering this opportunity, their commitment to women’s basketball and vision for the future.”
Crowley left for Providence College in 2016, and after seven seasons, the two sides parted ways early this week.
“The opportunity to bring Jim home was something that was too good to pass up,” said Joe Manhertz, St. Bonaventure director of athletics. “The fact that we are able to bring in a respected winner who has National Coach of the Year on his resume speaks volumes about where this program has been and where we feel it can go again. Coach Crowley knows what Bonaventure is about; he has brought us to the highest levels and we know we can get back there.”
After St. Bonaventure relieved Jesse Fleming of his duties in January, Erica Morrow took over as interim head coach. She went 3-9, including a loss to Davidson in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.
“I want to thank Coach Morrow and the entire coaching staff with us this year for their efforts in a difficult situation,” Manhertz said. “We are tremendously appreciative of their dedication to our student-athletes.”
A press conference to formally introduce Crowley is set for Monday at 11 a.m.
