Meet the newest leaders of our Golden Knights
March 7, 2023 · Athlete Spotlight
In the last two years, Saint Rose has welcomed a new roster of coaches. Hear from the latest members of our Golden Knights community.
Steve Wieczorek
Men’s soccer
Joined the Golden Knights in: May 2022
Years coaching: 17
Previous teams before Saint Rose: Spring Hill College
Why did you choose to coach at Saint Rose? I chose to coach at Saint Rose because the area is one that I loved living in before and also because of the amazing athletic director.
What do you want student-athletes to take away from their time as Golden Knights? I want them to have enjoyed their student-athlete experience and made friendships that will last their lifetime.
Whitney Edwards
Women’s basketball
Joined the Golden Knights in: June 2020
Years coaching: 12
Previous teams before Saint Rose: Northeastern University
Why did you choose to coach at Saint Rose? First, the Northeast-10 league, which has showcased highly regarded and respected basketball coaches and some of the most talented student-athletes I’ve coached and coached against. As a former NE10 assistant coach, having that up-close experience played a big role in wanting a school where I could potentially bring in great people to help generate more success for women’s basketball and the institution as a whole. We want to win, and we believe we can.
Secondly, this is my first head coaching opportunity at the college level. Saint Rose has values of creating positive student engagement, developing leaders, and being community focused. I knew it would be a challenge, but it also felt like, “Why not me, why not now?” Last, but certainly not least, it’s the closest to my hometown of Mount Vernon, New York, that I have lived during my coaching career. This meant an opportunity to see my greatest source of support more often! Family is everything!
What do you want student-athletes to take away from their time as Golden Knights? This is such a big question because basketball is an amazing vehicle for navigating much of what life will throw our way. We’re trying to show them how to navigate the world more effectively and to be problem-solvers.
Alex Williams
Men’s lacrosse
Joined the Golden Knights in: July 2021
Years coaching: Eight
Previous teams before Saint Rose: Frostburg State University, Roberts Wesleyan University
Why did you choose to coach at Saint Rose? I was very familiar with the men’s lacrosse program as a player and a coach. I have competed against them and scouted them. I knew there was a competitive tradition here. Being originally from Rochester, it gave me the opportunity to return to New York. My wife is also a tenured New York State kindergarten teacher, so it also fit my personal life. During the interview process, I had a chance to meet and interview with a panel of current players. I could instantly feel the energy and determination of the guys. I instantly could tell that these guys truly care and love each other! They want to be successful.
What do you want student-athletes to take away from their time as Golden Knights? I would hope they understand that our goal as a coaching staff is to build individual relationships with each player to help them find success on and off the field. (I want them) to be able to look back at their time here at Saint Rose and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment and to be able to look forward with confidence moving forward into their careers.
Nick Jones
Men’s and women’s track and field and cross country
Joined the Golden Knights in: July 2022
Years coaching: 13
Previous teams before Saint Rose: Russell Sage College
Why did you choose to coach at Saint Rose? I was lucky to be back home in the area. I went to UAlbany and was an athlete there. This is a great area. Section 2 is a hotbed for recruits; there is a lot of talent here. I always recruited in this area when I was at SUNY Plattsburgh, and I think this school has a lot of opportunity for success.
What do you want student-athletes to take away from their time as Golden Knights? I want them to take away that I was a reasonable person, that I was a mentor to them, and that I helped coach them not only on the track and field but in other aspects of their life.
Kevin Walsh ‘15, G’17 Men’s and women’s swimming and diving
Joined the Golden Knights in: March 2022
Years coaching: Five
Previous teams before Saint Rose: East Greenbush YMCA
Why did you choose to coach at Saint Rose? The College of Saint Rose has always been home to me. I was a student-athlete here while working on my bachelor’s. I also received my master’s here as well. I know everything the school has to offer both academically and athletically. It’s an honor to be a part of the Saint Rose community again from a different perspective. In a way, it feels like I’m giving back to a place that gave me everything I have today. Last year, I stepped in as an assistant coach and was immediately drawn into the potential of both the men’s and women’s teams. It was clear they were a group that wanted to be the best they could be and would give every ounce of effort to get there. I wanted to be a part of their journey, and I’m thrilled to be here.
What do you want student-athletes to take away from their time as Golden Knights? I hope my student-athletes carry my lessons of perseverance and determination as they continue onto whatever path they choose after graduating. After being one of my student-athletes, they should know there isn’t a goal they can’t reach. Nothing is impossible, and they should always strive to exceed expectations.
Sarah Martin
Women’s lacrosse
Joined the Golden Knights in: September 2020
Years coaching: Five as a college coach
Previous teams before Saint Rose: Assistant coach at nearby Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
Why did you choose to coach at Saint Rose? I chose Saint Rose because it offered a unique opportunity to start something of my own. With the program just getting started, I was able to create something that is a direct refl ection of myself. When you come to Saint Rose, you get a big sense of community. Everyone is very friendly and willing to work together for the common goal. The academic options and studentto- professor ratio on campus are great, and it’s an easy selling point for recruiting purposes.
What do you want student-athletes to take away from their time as Golden Knights? I want my student-athletes to take away a strong work ethic, dedication, teamwork, as well as various life skills outside of sport. Sports teach people a lot, and I think as coaches, we have a big impact on them. I take my job very seriously and always want student-athletes to leave this program better than they started. I want them to learn how to work well with others, be resilient and coachable. I think all of those attributes will serve them well in the various careers they are looking to pursue.
P.J. Anadio
Softball
Joined the Golden Knights in: July 2022
Years coaching: 20
Previous teams before Saint Rose: Herkimer Community College
Why did you choose to coach at Saint Rose? First off, it was the passion displayed by Athletic Director Lori Anctil. The athletic director is the head coach of coaches, and she seems like a person that I wouldn’t mind running through a wall for! She not only cares about the College and her athletics program, but she truly cares about our student-athletes as people and human beings!
Next, what is the unique and beautiful campus and facilities at Saint Rose. I fell in love with the campus the day I came down to walk around. After that, it’s the unbelievable education that our kids will be getting at The College of Saint Rose. It’s really about the degree that my young ladies will be getting. And I think Saint Rose will be an easy sell because I truly believe that my girls will be putting themselves in a great position for future success outside of their sport.
What do you want student-athletes to take away from their time as Golden Knights? I aspire to inspire as a coach. I hope to use softball to teach them the game of life. The thing I want them to get most out of their experience here is a great education in the classroom and on the softball field. I feel like the tools that we use to teach softball are tools that will remain with them for the rest of their lives when they become professionals and parents. Two of the biggest lessons I try to teach is how you do any one thing is how you do everything. And if you are too big to do small things then you eventually will be too small to do big things. The foundation of our program is person greater than player! With the philosophy of Ubuntu!
Matthew McPhillips
Men’s and women’s golf
Joined the Golden Knights in: April 2022
Years coaching: Three
Previous teams before Saint Rose: First time as a college coach
Why did you choose to coach at Saint Rose? The opportunity was given to me by the former golf coach, Scott Warren.
What do you want student-athletes to take away from their time as Golden Knights? I would like to think that the student-athletes have a good gauge on their strengths and how to enjoy the experience of competitive golf without getting overwhelmed. Work hard, enjoy the moment.
by Kaseem Gomez
