Holy Family University has named Ryan Haigh ’06 its new head men’s basketball coach as announced by Director of Athletics Tim Hamill on Monday. Haigh becomes the program’s fifth head coach in its 33-year history after spending the previous eight seasons as the Tigers’ assistant coach.
“Ryan has proved over the past eight seasons he has what it takes to lead the men’s basketball program,” said Hamill. “I’m fully confident that he will guide the team to new heights and continue a long tradition of success. I’m excited to see Ryan grow as a coach in his new role. The pieces are there for him and the team to be successful not only on the court but also in the classroom.”
Haigh has spent the past eight seasons as Holy Family’s top assistant coach. His specialties included working with the perimeter players and advanced scouting. He also was heavily involved in the recruiting aspect of the program.
“I would like to thank Sister Maureen McGarrity, Vice President Abigail Wernicki, Athletic Director Tim Hamill and the entire search committee for this wonderful opportunity,” said Haigh. “It is truly a privilege and a honor for not only me but for my family. From my playing days, to working as an assistant coach, to now being named head coach this opportunity is a surreal moment and a dream come true. I am excited to be able to continue working with our student-athletes to build a men’s basketball program that will bring pride to the entire Holy Family campus community.”
During his tenure as an assistant with the Tigers the team advanced to the CACC Tournament six times, including the program’s first conference title in 2015-16. That year the Tigers won 26 games; the most in the program’s Division II era. Holy Family went on to earn its second NCAA Tournament berth as the number one seed becoming the first men’s basketball team to host a regional in the CACC.
Haigh coached 15 All-CACC honorees in the last eight seasons, including two CACC Defensive Players of the Year in Isaiah Gans (2014-15) and Derrick Stewart (2015-16). He also coached the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year, Patrick Robinson.
Prior to returning to his alma mater, Haigh spent two seasons (2008-2010) at Gwynedd-Mercy College serving as an assistant coach. The 2008-09 squad won the CSAC Regular Season and Conference titles finishing with a 23-6 record. The team advanced to the round of 32 in the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Haigh began his coaching career in the summer of 2007 as head coach of the 16U Philadelphia Patriots AAU Team. The team earned a bid to the AAU Nationals, while coaching several future Division I players.
A graduate of Holy Family, Haigh earned his degree in Elementary education in 2006 capping a four-year playing career. He earned All-CACC honors twice, including first team recognition in 2005. Haigh finished his career with 1,679 points ranking fifth all-time in program history. He also ranks in the record book in assists (416 – 9th), steals (174 – 5th), field goals made (572 – 6th) and three-pointers made (278 – 4th).
A native of Philadelphia, Haigh attended Father Judge High School and earned first team All-League honors in the Philadelphia Catholic League in 2002.
https://athletics.holyfamily.edu/news/2019/5/15/haigh-06-named-head-mens-basketball-coach.aspx
