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Phil Seymore embarks on his fourth season as head coach of the Friar women's basketball team. Seymore was hired as the eighth coach in the program's 33-year history on April 7, 2005. The program has made tremendous strides during Seymore's two-year tenure on the sidelines. Prior to his arrival, the Friars won just five games during a two-year period from 2003 through 2005, including an 0-32 record versus BIG EAST Conference opponents. During Seymore's first season with the Friars, the team posted an 8-19 overall record and a 3-13 mark in the BIG EAST. It marked a 7.5 game improvement in the win column. Last season in 2006-07, the Friars showed even greater signs of progress with a final record of 13-16 (3-13 BIG EAST). On January 3, 2007, Seymore led Providence to an impressive 106-94, double-overtime, victory over 13th-ranked Louisville during BIG EAST regular-season play. At the time, the Cardinals were one of five NCAA Division I programs who were undefeated. The Friars' 13 victories on the year marked the most in a single season since the 2001-02 campaign, when PC finished the year at 13-15. Providence started the year with a 7-1 record, including victories in each of its first six games. It stands at PC's best start since 1990-91 when the team began the year with seven-straight victories. Furthermore, Providence completed the non-conference portion of its schedule with a 10-3 record. It marked the first time since the 2002-03 season that PC had posted a winning record in non-conference play. It also marked the most non-conference victories in a single season since 1990-91. A year ago (2007-08), the Friars posted a 12-17 overall record - giving Providence double-digit victories for the second-straight season under Seymore's guidance. The last time the program recorded double-digit wins in back-to-back seasons dates back to the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. Additionally, Providence finished the non-conference portion of its schedule with 10 wins for the second-straight year. Prior to his appointment as head coach, Seymore served as an assistant coach for the Friar men's basketball team, helping the squad earn NCAA Tournament berths in 2001 and 2004. "Phil Seymore brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our women's basketball program," Driscoll said. "He has enjoyed success as a student-athlete, a professional athlete and as a coach. He understands the mission of the College and is dedicated to rebuilding our program while providing a positive experience for our student-athletes." Seymore came to Providence in 2000 after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Richmond for three seasons under Head Coach John Beilein. While at Richmond, he was responsible for the team's recruiting and the offensive and defensive development of guards and wingmen. He also prepared scouting reports of the opposing teams for the Spiders. "Phil was one of my first full-time assistant coaches," West Virginia Men's Basketball Head Coach John Beilein stated. "I knew in a short time that I wanted him to be my assistant forever. His attention to detail is impressive, but what is equally impressive is how he looks at the big picture -- life, basketball and recruiting. This is a great selection for Providence and the BIG EAST." A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., and a graduate of Canisius College, Seymore began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Canisius in 1983 under his former coach Nick Macarchuk (a former PC assistant coach). After one season at Canisius, he went to Turner Carroll High School in Buffalo, N.Y. where he coached for four years, including two seasons as the head coach. His 1989-90 team at Turner won the State Catholic School Class C title and the 1988-89 squad captured the Manhattan Cup Championship. After leaving Turner Carroll High School in 1990, Seymore spent the next seven years as an assistant coach at Canisius. Five of those seven years were under Beilein. Seymore began his collegiate playing career at Independence Junior College before transferring to Canisius. At Canisius, he averaged 16.8 points and 4.6 assists in two seasons as a point guard. Seymore was selected in the seventh round of the 1982 NBA draft by the New York Knicks. He played one season for Albany of the Continental Basketball Association where he earned 1983 All-Star honors. Seymore is a member of Canisius' Athletic Hall of Fame. Seymore resides in Rumford, R.I., with his wife, Alicia, and his daughter, Amani.
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