After four years on the Cabrini sideline, assistant coach Tim McDonald will become the sixth head coach in the history of the Cabrini men’s basketball team, Director of Athletics and Recreation Brad Koch recently announced. McDonald replaces Marcus Kahn who stepped down in April 2014.

"We are proud to announce the hiring of Tim McDonald as head men’s basketball coach," Koch said. "Tim emerged as the consensus choice among our search committee and staff. This decision allows us to retain a valued and respected member of the Cabrini community.

"Tim has played a major role in the program’s recent success through his ability to recruit, teach and mentor our student-athletes," Koch continued. "His knowledge and passion for the game of basketball is exemplary and will serve him well as the program moves forward. It is an exciting time for Cabrini and the men’s basketball family."

McDonald takes over a program with which he is very familiar. During his four years as an assistant coach, the Cavaliers reached unprecedented heights, including four consecutive Colonial States Athletic Conference championships, three trips to the NCAA Sweet 16 and the College’s first appearance in an NCAA Championship game. During that period, the Blue and White amassed a record of 106-16, including 67-5 in the CSAC.

McDonald has also been instrumental in developing some of the best players in program history. During his four years, Cabrini has earned nine All-CSAC accolades, including two-time CSAC Players of the Year Cory Lemons and Aaron Walton-Moss among its six First Team honors. Lemons became the program’s first First Team All-American in 2012, after leading the club to the NCAA Championship game with 17.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.

Walton-Moss was named the 2014 Division III Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The junior’s 24.8 points per game ranked fifth in the country, while his 10.9 rebounds were 16th and his 5.9 assists 13th. Walton-Moss was one of two players to record two triple doubles this season and came within three assists on five other occasions.

During McDonald’s time on the Cavaliers’ sideline, his responsibilities have included all aspects of recruiting, scouting opponents, in-season and off-season training and player development, budget management and ensuring that student-athletes adhere to Cabrini and NCAA policies.

"I couldn’t be more excited to be named the head coach at Cabrini College," McDonald said. "My goal is to continue to grow the program’s success and rich history. I want to thank God, my parents and family for all of their support, the search committee, Director of Athletics and Recreation Brad Koch, Vice President of Student Life Dr. Christine Lysionek, and the entire Cabrini Community.

"I must also thank Coach Kahn for bringing me to Cabrini as an assistant and helping me grow in the profession," McDonald commented. "The future of Cabrini basketball and the entire College is very bright. In the next month, we will welcome our new president, Dr. Donald Taylor, and continue to grow as a College community and athletic department. I am extremely happy to be a part of the Cabrini family."

McDonald joins a string of Cabrini assistant coaches who have been elevated to head coach and continued to maintain the program’s success. Men’s lacrosse head coach Steve Colfer, men’s soccer head coach Rob Dallas, women’s basketball head coach Kate Pearson and women’s soccer head coach Ken Prothero, also began their Cabrini careers as assistants before leading their programs to a combined 22 CSAC titles and 21 NCAA Tournaments.

Prior to coming to Cabrini, McDonald spent five years coaching at Gateway Regional High School in Woodbury Heights, N.J., where he led the Gators to their second best record in program history and hosted the program’s first state tournament game in 2010.

The Barrington, N.J. native also has extensive experience working the regional camp and AAU circuit, including the Villanova University camps and Hoop Group events around the country.

McDonald graduated from Ursinus College in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise & Sport Science before earning a teaching certificate in Health and Physical Education from Rowan University in 2010. McDonald also completed his master’s degree in Sports Management from Drexel University in 2013.

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