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Saint Francis announces Keila Whittington as head women’s basketball coach

LORETTO, CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) —  Saint Francis University Athletic Director Susan Robinson Fruchtl announced Wednesday that Keila Whittington has been named the eighth women’s basketball coach in program history. She will be formally introduced at a press conference Thursday at 12:15 p.m. in the Maurice Stokes Athletic Center. 

“We are thrilled that Keila Whittington will be our next women’s basketball coach. Keila is excited for this opportunity and she will do awesome things here at SFU. Keila understands the importance of mentoring young people and she is a great fit for our institutional mission.”

                                                 Susan Robinson Fruchtl: Saint Francis Athletic Director

Whittington comes to Loretto with a wealth of experience in the coaching ranks, including most recently at Marist College where she served as the assistant coach from 2016-19. It was her second stint with the Red Foxes after also serving as an assistant coach from 2007-09.

Whittington was also an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Penn State from 2001 to 2007. She guided the Lady Lions to an NCAA Elite Eight appearance and two Sweet Sixteen appearances.

“I am extremely honored and blessed to be the next head women’s basketball coach at Saint Francis University. It has been an overwhelming past few days as I’ve realized that I have finally accomplished a lifelong career dream. There is no better place that I would rather begin my head coaching career. It is truly a match made in heaven. I would like to thank Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., President of Saint Francis, Susan Robinson Fruchtl, Director of Athletics, the search committee, and everyone involved in the interview process for putting their trust in me to be the leader of this program.”
                                                     

                               Keila Whittington: Saint Francis Womens Basketball Head Coach