Franciscan athletics photo

After five years as head coach of Franciscan University of Steubenville’s men’s basketball team, Sean Donovan completed his last day on May 15. The first coach of the Baron basketball program since Franciscan claimed varsity status in 2005, Donovan laid the groundwork for the move to Division III.

“The vision of Franciscan athletics is one of ongoing conversion of mind, body, and spirit,” said Chris Ledyard, athletic director at Franciscan. “Coaches should be the catalyst to help student-athletes reach this goal, and Sean certainly did this by creating an atmosphere conducive to athletic, academic, and spiritual growth.”

Donovan expressed his gratitude toward Ledyard and the university for giving him the opportunity to develop the basketball program.

“They took a chance, and Chris believed in me,” he said. “The experience alone was invaluable. I’ll be forever indebted to [Ledyard].

“It was an extremely difficult decision [to leave],” Donovan continued. “But I have incredible peace that I was called to start this program and that someone else is called to take over.”

Donovan will head to the Washington, D.C. area to be closer to his family while building a business with his brother. If the opportunity arises, he plans on continuing to coach as well. “Once a coach, always a coach. I’m not hanging up the whistle,” said Donovan.

Ledyard noted that the basketball coach selection committee chose Donovan because of his philosophical strength and commitment to the university’s Catholic mission, and that the committee will look for similar qualities in his replacement. “I believe the next coach will take the basketball program to the next level, and I look forward to even more intense programming,” Ledyard added.

The athletic department is currently accepting applications for the part-time coaching position.