Gaetano to Take Reins of Women's Basketball Program
MADISON, N.J. (August, 23, 2010) - Athletic Director
Jason Fein announced today that
Brittany Gaetano, former assistant at Division III powerhouse Amherst College, will be the 19th Head Coach in the history of the Drew Women's Basketball Program.
Gaetano has spent the past three seasons working under her former college coach GP Gromacki at Amherst College. The Lord Jeffs have been one of the best teams in the northeast region during that time period by compiling a 88-8 overall record and making two final four appearances. Just last season, Amherst marched into the NCAA Tournament without losing a game. Their only loss of the season came in Bloomington, Illinois at the NCAA Division III Final four against the eventual National Champion, Washington University.
"We're delighted to welcome Brittany to the Drew Athletics family," said Fein. "She emerged as the best candidate from a highly competitive, nationwide search for our next head coach. Her experience under Coach Gromacki at a highly successful academic and athletic institution such as Amherst should help make her a great fit for Drew University."
A standout collegiate player herself at Saint Lawrence University, Gaetano was a four-year starter at point guard and a two-year captain. She was recognized in as an All-Liberty League performer in each of her four seasons as a Saint.
"Coming from school like Amherst I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to work alongside one of the top division III coaches in the country and to coach an exceptional group of student-athletes,"said Gaetano. "I feel a great sense of pride towards the past programs I have been a part of, and I am honored to have the opportunity to continue my coaching career at a place like Drew."
Gaetano will inherit a Ranger squad that finished with 15 wins, the second highest win total in the history of the program. The Rangers will lose only one starter from last year's team,
Jessica DelVecchio, who was second on the team with nine points per game. Returning for the 2010-11 campaign will be Drew's lone All-Landmark selection,
Danielle Barber, who led the team in points, assists, steals and free throws. She broke a nearly 30 year old record for assists in a season by tallying 154 in 2009-10.
"From the minute I stepped onto campus, I knew that this was a special place, and I am more excited than ever to be a part of the Drew community. Drew attracts well-rounded student-athletes that want to compete at a high level and I couldn't be more excited to lead the women's basketball program here and to work alongside such a talented athletic staff," said Gaetano.
Gaetano will make her coaching debut at home when they open up their 2010-11 season against City Tech on November 15 in Madison.
