Agronin Steps Down as Women's Basketball Coach at Niagara University
Niagara Media Relations
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. ? Bill Agronin, the coach with the most wins in Niagara University women’s basketball history, has announced his resignation, Ed McLaughlin, director of athletics, said today. McLaughlin said Agronin’s decision came after much careful thought and was made for personal reasons.
"I have decided to resign my position as the head women’s basketball coach at Niagara," Agronin said. "My family has encountered a number of health-related issues during the past year and this, coupled with my desire to spend more time with my grandchildren, has led to this decision. I want to thank Ed McLaughlin, the administration, my assistant coaches, my players and Joe Mihalich (men’s head coach) for my long and memorable relationship with Niagara University. I leave the women’s basketball program on solid footing, and expect that this team will be very successful."
Agronin led the women’s team to 169 wins over 13 seasons. He was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year three times (1992-93, 2002-03 and 2004-05) and the New York State Division I Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year twice (1992-93 and 2002-03).
He first became associated with Niagara University basketball in 1982, when he began an eight-year span as an assistant coach of the men’s team. He took over as coach of the women’s team in 1992, serving for two seasons before being named principal of Stevenson Elementary School in the Wilson School District. He returned to Niagara as women’s coach in 1996, and has guided the program since.
"I want to thank Bill for 21 years of faithful service to Niagara University, our athletics department and the basketball programs," McLaughlin said. "I know this has been a difficult decision for Bill and his family, but we respect his wishes and appreciate all of his contributions to the Niagara University community."
Under Agronin’s guidance, more than 50 players have been named MAAC All-Academic. Also, the Niagara women’s team has finished in the top 25 nationally in grade-point average in six of the past 10 seasons, with a best-ever fourth-place finish following the 2001-02 season.
McLaughlin said the athletics department will begin an immediate search for a new coach. "We will look for someone who will work hard at recruiting, continue our record of academic excellence, and serve as a positive role model for all of our Purple Eagle student-athletes," he said.