The College of Mount Saint Vincent Director of Athletics and Recreation, Barima Yeboah announced the hiring of James Mooney ’06, as head Men’s Basketball coach and Associate Director of Athletics. Mr. Mooney, has spent the past two years as the head coach at Rye Neck High School in Mamaroneck, NY. HoopDirt.com first mentioned his name here back on 4/18 (Daily Dirt).
“I am excited for the opportunity to not only coach at the collegiate level, which has been a goal of mine since I began coaching, but to do so at my alma mater,” said Mr. Mooney. “I fully embrace the challenges that my role entails, but as the ultimate competitor, I will find a way to succeed at a high level.”
Mooney holds many of the Men’s Basketball career records, including points, 3-point FG made, scoring average (min. 25 games), field goals made. His 1,793 points make him one of three student-athletes in the men’s program to reach the 1,000 career point plateau.
“I am very happy to welcome James as the Associate Director of Athletics and Head Men’s Basketball Coach,” said Mr. Yeboah. “James will be a positive impact on our student-athletes and help them reach their highest potential.”
In addition to his coaching role at Rye Neck, Mr. Mooney served as the Ultimate Hoops East Region Training Manager for Life Time Fitness, where he oversaw scheduling, budgeting, and event coordination. He has previously served as the Assistant Coach for the CMSV Men’s Basketball team during the 2014-15 season.
“I have had tremendous support thus far from so many alumnae/i that have reached out to me, when they heard I was appointed, and I am looking forward to reconnecting with all of them,” said Mr. Mooney. “One of my biggest goals is for our current student-athletes to have a relationship with our alumnae/i and expand their networks. I’d love to see our former Dolphins looking out for our current players and to continue that trend.”
Mooney takes over a team that finished the 2016-17 season with an 8-17 record and 6-10 mark in Skyline play. The 2017-18 team, will return all but four players, including two of the top three scorers.
“I want to make sure that our student-athletes are not just the best version of themselves on the court, but off the court as well,” said Mr. Mooney. “THe only way I truly want to be measured is if my players are graduating, getting jobs and growing professionally, while also creating families of their own. Their time with me as a basketball player is just a small blip on the radar screen that I want to make sure lasts a lifetime.”
