April 28, 2006

FAIRFIELD, CT (April 28, 2006) - Sacred Heart University announced Friday afternoon that Ed Swanson will remain as head coach of the school's women's basketball program. Swanson's decision comes after turning down an offer to become the next coach at Fordham University.

"This was not an easy decision to make," said Swanson. "At the end of the day, Sacred Heart University is where my heart is and where I belong right now at this point in my career."

"I am sorry that Ed went through the turmoil of this week," stated Sacred Heart Athletic Director Don Cook. "For him and his family, being able to come to this decision, he feels comfortable with his choice to stay and we as an institution feel comfortable with him returning. We are glad to put closure on it."

"Ed is a valued person, resource and coach at Sacred Heart University" commented Cook. "Although this is not the right time at Fordham University, we are glad it is still the right time for us at Sacred Heart for him to continue to develop our very successful women's basketball program."

Swanson guided the Pioneers to their first-ever Northeast Conference title and appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. Swanson led the Pioneers to a school record 26-5 record along with a record mark of 16 NEC wins this season while he himself earned his 250th career victory (256-192).

In SHU's seven seasons in Division I, Swanson has guided the Pioneers to a 130-73 record and seven-straight NEC Tournaments while never finishing lower than third in the final league standings. SHU ran their streak of seasons with at least a .500 record or better to 11-straight after this season's title run.

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