ASTON, Pa. – After 13 seasons at the helm of the Neumann University women's basketball team, Frank Farnese has decided to step down as the team's head coach.
 
One of Neumann's longest tenured coaches, Farnese leaves after amassing a program record 208 wins compared to just 144 losses. Under his direction, the Knights made the postseason in 12 of his 13 seasons, winning two Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) championships in 2009-10 and 2010-11 and appearing in the NCAA tournament in both of those seasons. Neumann also advanced to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) tournament five times in Farnese's tenure.
 
This past season, the 13-year coach guided the Knights all the way to the CSAC title game, where they fell by a score of 71-64 to Cabrini University. It was the fourth CSAC Championship appearance in Farnese's tenure.
 
"I'm very proud of what we were able to accomplish in my 13 years as a coach at Neumann", Farnese said. "It was an honor to return to my alma mater and learn what it takes to be a successful college coach. I'll never forget cutting down the nets at the Mirenda Center in back to back years in 2010 and 2011 and I'm very proud that we were able to put the Neumann University women's basketball program on the NCAA Division III map".
 
In addition to the team's success over the past decade plus, Farnese has also guided a number of student-athletes to personal awards and recognition. Under his watch, three players have been named CSAC Rookie of the Year, six players have been named CSAC Player of the Year, and numerous players have achieved all-conference honors.
 
Neumann was always home for Farnese, who graduated from the school in 1995 after four excellent years playing on both the men's basketball and baseball teams. As a member of the men's basketball team, Farnese finished his career with 1,026 points, good for eighth all-time in program history.
 
"Frank's passion for the game and for Neumann has always been tremendous", said Neumann athletic director Chuck Sack.  "He, and his family, have always been invested in every season and for all of their contributions we are so very grateful.  He will always be a Neumann Knight."  
 
Neumann will now begin a search for a new women's basketball coach for the 2018-2019 season.