Seton Hall tabs Bozzella as women's hoops coach

Mar 28, 2013 - 3:52 AM South Orange, NJ (Sports Network) - Anthony Bozzella has been named the new head women's basketball coach at Seton Hall University, director of athletics Pat Lyons announced Wednesday.

Bozzella spent the last 11 seasons at Iona College and guided the Gaels to three 20-win seasons, including this past year when Iona went 20-13 and reached the MAAC championship game for a third time under Bozzella.

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to come home and coach at this great University," said Bozzella, who graduated from Seton Hall in 1988. "Seton Hall has always been a very special place to me. This is where I grew up, met my wife and now I have a beautiful family that I look forward to sharing this wonderful experience with. With the leadership of President Esteban, Pat Lyons and the support from all the staff, this is a school where we have a great opportunity to be very successful."

Bozzella was named co-MAAC Coach of the Year in 2005-06 when he led Iona to its first winning season in 23 years.

Prior to his tenure with the Gaels, Bozzella spent two seasons as the head coach at Long Island University, where he led the Blackbirds to consecutive Northeast Conference championship games.

Bozzella also announced Wednesday that University of Maryland-Baltimore County head women's basketball coach Phil Stern would be joining his staff as associate head coach at Seton Hall, while Lauren DeFalco, an assistant for three years at Iona, would be an assistant coach for the Pirates.