Mary Beth McNichol had a long successful career at the Academy of Notre Dame in Villanova, Pa. before taking over Neumann's program.

Neumann University named long-time successful local high school coach Mary Beth McNichol as its new head women's basketball coach.

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University Director of Athletics and Recreation Chuck Sack announced the hire.

"I am very pleased and excited to welcome Mary Beth as Neumann University's Head Women's Basketball Coach," said Sack in the release. "Her leadership style and philosophy resonate with our institutional values and make her an ideal fit for our women's basketball program and institution."

McNichol has deep roots in the suburban Philadelphia basketball community. She was the head coach at the Academy of Notre Dame in Villanova, Pa. for 27 years where she went 507-257 and won two Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association state titles during her tenure. According to Neumann's release, she had 37 players go on to college basketball careers, including 17 at the Division I level.

McNichol also had an interesting college career of her own. She was the first female student-athlete for Villanova University's women's basketball program to receive a four-year scholarship. She played four years for the Wildcats and was the team captain her final two season. The University inducted her into its Hall of Fame in 1997.

"I am thrilled to join the Neumann community with its strong values, academic excellence and athletic success," said McNichol in the release. "This is an exciting time in Neumann athletics with the start of the new Atlantic East Conference. I look forward to being part of this outstanding Catholic community."

McNichol replaces Frank Farnese who stepped down in July. He went 208-144 in 13 seasons as the Knights' head coach.

Neumann finished 20-8, 13-3 in the CSAC last season. The Knights open the 2018-19 season at home on Nov. 8 against Wilkes.