Published: 04/04/2024
Easton Bazzoli
Gannon University Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk announced Tuesday that Easton Bazzoli has been named the 21st head coach in the 80-year history of the Gannon men's basketball program. Bazzoli was formally introduced at a press conference beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 4, in the Old Main Boardroom.
Bazzoli is a familiar face, serving as an assistant coach under previous Gannon head coach Jordan Fee during the 2023-24 season. He was instrumental in leading the Golden Knights to a 32-3 overall record and a spot in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. The program captured the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division regular-season, PSAC Tournament, and NCAA Division II Atlantic Region championships.
"I am beyond excited and humbled about the opportunity to take over this great program at Gannon University," said Bazzoli. "There is not a better time than now to be tasked with leading this group of young men on and off the floor. My wife, Katrina, and daughter, Kaiya, have grown to love Erie and Gannon alike quickly after this historic season.
"I want to thank Dr. Walter Iwanenko, Dr. Sarah Ewing, Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk, and the entire Gannon community for this privilege to lead the Gannon men's basketball program. I look forward to seeing the stands full again next season as we continue this exciting brand of basketball in Erie."
Bazzoli was part of a Gannon coaching staff that led the Golden Knights to a school-record 32 victories last year, an improvement of 24.5 games. It represented the largest improvement in NCAA history for both men's and women's basketball.
"We are excited to welcome Easton Bazzoli as our next men's basketball head coach," said Gannon Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk. "Easton has tremendous basketball knowledge, as well as an unwavering commitment to excellence and the student-athlete experience. We are excited for our men's basketball program to continue its forward momentum and excel under his leadership."
With Bazzoli on the sideline, Gannon captured its first NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship since 2009 with a 67-65 victory against the University of Charleston in front of a standing-room-only and boisterous crowd on March 19. The Golden Knights finished second in the country with 100.4 points per game, surpassing the 100-point plateau 16 times.
A native of western Pennsylvania and Cranberry Township, Pa., Bazzoli arrived at Gannon in April 2023 after spending the previous six seasons as an assistant coach at NCAA Division II Union (Tenn.) University.
Bazzoli received his bachelor's degree in business management from Cedarville in 2017, before earning his master's degree in business administration in 2020. He and his wife, Katrina, have a daughter, Kaiya.
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