Longtime St. Bonaventure men’s head swimming coach Sean McNamee was officially announced as the new Assistant Athletics Director for Advancement at the school on Tuesday, ending his run of 26 years as the Bonnies coach. He will assume his new duties immediately.
This news came shortly before it was learned that St. Bonaventure women’s coach Brian Thomas was expected to be hired as the new head coach at George Washington University, the Bonnies’ A-10 rival. With both the men’s and women’s coaches on their way out, McNamee confirmed that the two programs will be combined in the upcoming 2018-19 season.
In his new duties as Assistant Athletics Director for Advancement, McNamee will be responsible for all fundraising initiatives within the athletics department, from the Bonnies Athletic Fund and the Sixth Man Club to scholarships and special projects. All of his work will support the strategic goals of the university and the Athletics Department.
“I am extremely excited to take on this new challenge and want to thank those within the process that have made this opportunity possible,” said McNamee. “Coaching permits you to forge relationships with your student-athletes that last a lifetime. I am immeasurably grateful for that opportunity over the past 26 years, but I really look forward to watching the program continue to thrive with me as a fan. I am thrilled to help a special place in a greater capacity. Our family has been involved with SBU for the past 70 years and it means so much to us. St. Bonaventure is a great story and I am thrilled to be a vehicle to assist in spreading it. The passion of our supporters is infectious. Being a nationally recognized Athletics Department in a family-oriented setting is something special.”
During his time coaching at St. Bonaventure, McNamee led the team to five Atlantic-10 Conference titles, and was named A-10 Coach of the Year six times.
Sean MacNamee is easily one of the best coaches in college swimming and his dedication and loyalty to the St. Bonaventure program is a true testament to his passion for the school and its mission! It has been a pleasure to watch his teams succeeed year after year. I wish Coach Mac all the best and I know he’ll continue to care for the program at SBU! Congrats Sean!
Congratulations to Coach McNamee, well done and deserved. Sean is a true St. Bonaventure Man, and his family roots run deep within the University. Sean is the 3rd McNamee to coach the Bonnies Men’s program. His father, John installed the program, and Sean replaced his brother Kevin in 1992. I have had the pleasure of growing up with, swimming with, and coaching with Sean. He is one of the most underrated, technically savvy, well respected coaches in the sport. This is a great move for SBU and for Sean. Once again, congratulations and “Unfurl the Brown & White”……”Wade In The Water.”
So Very Well stated, and TRUE, Mike!!!
Congrats to Coach McNamee!
Also great to see that the athletics director recognized the long-term dedicated service of Coach McNamee, and created a respectful pathway to the conclusion of his coaching career. More AD’s today should take a lesson from this example!!!
Hope this was his choice … look for a combined program now.
“McNamee confirmed that the two programs will be combined in the upcoming 2018-19 season.”
Seen.
Congratulations Sean! Best of luck in the new position!
Congratulations Sean! Best Wishes as you begin your career in Administration My Friend.
Trivia Fact (I’m pretty sure) Sean is the second McNamee to move from Men’s Swimming & Diving Head Coach into an Athletic Director position at St. Bonaventure!