Meet Mary Beth McNichol, the coach of Neumann University’s women’s basketball team.
Prior to coaching at Neumann, she had a decorated career as a player at Archbishop Prendergast High School and then became a team captain at Villanova.
Although she was a student of the game, coaching was not her first plan.
She earned a degree in business, but when someone in her parish mentioned a coaching spot in CYO, she went for it.
She got hooked on coaching and became the head coach at Notre Dame Academy for 27 years before making the transition to Neumann University.
It was a smooth switch.
“I did not find it all that difficult to be honest with you,” she said. “I had it in the back of my mind for a long time, feeling that I knew I could do it and I wanted to do it.”
McNichol focused on continuity instead of change at the collegiate level.
One of the things that remained the same though was McNichol’s connection to her players and desire to see them succeed.
The best part for her is just being able to watch her players find their way.
“It’s so rewarding to see a kid go from freshman year to senior year,” she said. “I always try to teach life lessons. They’re going to go out into the working world, and I want them to know there’s accountability and I preach that a lot. I want them to be better basketball players, but I want them to be better people also.”
Despite only being part of the team for a few months, Freshman Bri Gautier can attest to this. She has a strong relationship with McNichol.
“It is a very well rounded, respected relationship. She is a very approachable person and I feel that I can talk to her about anything. She cares for her players like we are her own children. She would do anything for us! I am looking forward to the next four years with her as my coach,” she said.
In six years as head coach at Neumann University and many more before, McNichol has seen a lot of change.
"It's remarkable. When I played many years ago, it certainly was not as popular,” she said. “It’s so nice to see people care for women’s sports, in particular women’s basketball. Even at Division 3 level we’re seeing that. Our games are crowded! “
McNichol is happy to see women’s sports and D3 sports getting more attention.
“With social media, teams are promoted at the division 3 level so there’s been a lot of excitement for all divisions and it’s really exciting to see.”