HERSHEY, Pa. – Billy Cassidy, a Neumann University graduate from 2018, and former Knights basketball player has coached the Bonner-Prendergast Boys Basketball team their the first-ever PIAA state championship. The win came last Friday night as they defeated West York High School in the 5A classification championship at the Giant Center in Hershey.
 
After transferring from Chestnut Hill College, he found his home, spending three seasons with the Knight. A sharp-shooter from beyond the arc, Cassidy has the second most three-point field goals in program history. In the 2016-2017 season, he hit 62 three-pointers, and in the following year, he obliterated the program record with 108 threes', 30 more than the previous mark, a sixth in Division III that season. He is also a member of the Neumann 1,000-point club. "My experiences at Neumann University have played a pivotal role in shaping my early journey and preparing me for continued success", said Cassidy. "The pillars in the Mirenda Center "RISES" represent values I strive to live out every day, both on and off the court."
 
Neumann Men's Basketball coach, Jim Rullo noted, "winning a state championship is an incredible accomplishment for the Bonner-Prendie program". When talking about his transition to coaching, Billy remarked, "Throughout my basketball journey, I've been fortunate to play for outstanding coaches and build lasting relationships with mentors who continue to impact my life. I'm grateful to have people I can turn to for advice, perspective, or simply a meaningful conversation."
 
When discussing his philosophy, Cassidy said, "Relationships are at the core of everything I do. At home, I'm grounded by my wife, Nikki, and my daughter, Mila. Professionally, I balance a full-time role at an alternative school while serving as the Head Coach for Bonner's Varsity Boys Basketball team. Time management, sacrifice, discipline, commitment, and teamwork are not just words, but are the foundation of our program's success, on and off the court. As a coach, I believe the most important role we play is investing fully in each individual. Our responsibility goes far beyond the game. We are here to help young people succeed in life. Adversity is inevitable, and it's in those moments that our presence matters most. Being there, showing genuine support, and understanding our student-athletes can truly be life-changing."
 
John Krimmel, Neumann University Director of Athletics and Recreation, had this to say about Cassidy and this accomplishment. "Congratulations to Neumann alum Billy Cassidy on capturing a state championship with Bonner-Prendie. Coach Cassidy was one of the first people I met when I arrived at Neumann, and I was immediately struck by his passion for basketball and his commitment to impacting the lives of young people. He represents Neumann University in the very best way, and we are incredibly proud of all that he has accomplished. We are excited to watch all that he continues to achieve, and his Knight family is so proud of him. Congratulations to Coach Cassidy and the entire team on this outstanding achievement. And behind every great coach is an amazing support system—so a special shoutout to double Neumann alum and Coach Cassidy's wife, Nikki."