Following up on something that HoopDirt.com first reported yesterday (D3 DIRT: Colby-Sawyer set to open). Colby-Sawyer has released the following on the departure of long-time head basketball coach Bill Foti:
For the last 29 years Bill Foti has been a staple in the Colby-Sawyer athletics department. On Monday, it was announced that he has accepted the Director of Athletics position at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.
In 2013, Foti and longtime co-worker George Martin were appointed Director of Athletics. Foti held the role until July 1 2020.
“It’s been a tremendous 29 year run at Colby-Sawyer, said Foti. I’m very fortunate to have coached such outstanding young men at such a great institution for such an extended period of time. I leave the college with many cherished memories and lifelong friends.”
“Bill Foti has been a tremendous contributor to Colby-Sawyer College both in his role as Director of Athletics and as head basketball coach,” said Colby-Sawyer president Susan D. Stuebner. “He has mentored hundreds of student-athletes and built a program that has a strong family feel to it, with alumni returning regularly. He provided critical leadership throughout his time as Director of Athletics that will serve him well in his new role at Guilford. In these ways and many more, he has had a significant influence on the athletics and men’s basketball programs at the College. We will miss him a great deal.”
“Over his 29 years at Colby-Sawyer, Bill has mentored countless student-athletes, coaches, SIDs and ATs — myself included”, said Director of Athletics Mitch Capelle. “It has been a pleasure to work with Bill this past year as we navigated a global pandemic. We are grateful for everything he has done for Colby-Sawyer Athletics. Bill’s institutional knowledge, NCAA compliance experience, quick wit, sense of humor, and always listening ear will be greatly missed.”
In his 29 seasons on the sideline, Foti led the Chargers to 486 victories, which ranks him in the top 25 among active Division III college coaches. He also ranks in the top 40 in career winning percentage, having won 66% of his games. Foti was named coach of the year five times across two different conferences, including earning The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) Coach of the Year recognition four times in five seasons.
“Bill Foti served Colby-Sawyer College with distinction for almost 30 years as a coach, a leader, a colleague and friend”, said Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students Robin Davis. “Bill’s patience and clarity under pressure, his focus, his partnerships and collaborations were instrumental in the growth and success of Colby-Sawyer’s athletic program in number of teams, athletes, and wins! Bill has quite simply been a leader in New England Division III sports as both a coach and administrator. His influence expands beyond New London. Guilford is lucky to have him at the helm of their athletics department. I wish Bill nothing but the best and I have no doubt he will make his mark in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.”
“Bill Foti is a first-class individual and the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) will miss him deeply,” said GNAC commissioner Joe Walsh. “We wish Bill, Cathy, and the entire Foti family the best on this next adventure. Let’s hope one day Colby-Sawyer and Guilford will meet in a national championship, so one day we can all unite together again.”
“For close to 30 years Bill has been the cornerstone of Colby-Sawyer Athletics,” said former Colby-Sawyer women’s basketball coach and director of athletics George Martin. “He took a men’s basketball team that had only been in existence for two years and quickly transformed it into one of the most successful and respected teams in New England. The impact that he has had on all of the student-athletes he has coached, the people he worked with in the Athletic Department, and the greater Colby-Sawyer College community, is immeasurable. His influence on campus will be felt for years to come. Guilford College is fortunate to have such an experienced coach and administrator lead their Athletic Department. I wish my colleague and friend of 26 years nothing but the best on this new adventure.”
Under his tutelage the Chargers won five conference championships, including three in a row from 2000-2003 in the TCCC. Foti appeared in nine ECAC tournaments, capturing the title in 1997. The Chargers appeared in four NCAA tournaments with Foti on the sideline.
In addition to team accolades, Foti has coached a number of incredible players in his time in New London. He has coached two All-Americans (Hall of Fame members T.J. Gondek ’95 and Andrew St. Clair ’06), two Academic All-Americans (Brendan Carney ’02, St. Clair ’05 and ’06) four NABC All-Northeast District players (Gondek, Jim McGilvery, Matt George and St. Clair) and seven ECAC All-Stars (Gondek, McGilvery, George, St. Clair, Brian Wilder, Grant Kelly and Peter Donato). In addition, Foti’s 1997-98 team was inducted into the Colby-Sawyer Hall of Fame.
“I’d like to thank former Director of Athletics Deb McGrath, who 29 years ago took a chance and hired me as a first-time head coach,” remarked Foti. “She believed in me and allowed me to grow as a coach, and later as an administrator. I’d also like to thank my former colleague George Martin. Together, we shared countless bus rides, practice times, games and later, for seven years, Athletic Director duties. He was a valued resource and friend as we both grew together as coaches and administrators.
“I’d also like to thank my many assistant coaches, in particular Josh Pincoske, who’s been a constant by my side on the bench for the last 27 years. He began coaching with me as a Colby-Sawyer student and has become a loyal and trusted friend. Mostly, I’d like to recognize the hundreds of Men’s Basketball players who competed and worked so hard for me. I can’t thank them enough for how they have enriched my life.”
