Stefano Trompeo, who was the second person named as an interim coach for NYU before this past season started, ends the season being named the head coach. He follows Chris Kosiba, who was initially named interim coach after Janice Quinn stepped down in September because of medical issues.

Trompeo, who had been an assistant at NYU for five seasons, was the D3hoops.com East Region Coach of the Year, after guiding the Violets to a 23-5 record and a berth in the Division III Sweet 16.

“I appreciate the administration having the confidence in me to put me in charge of the program,” said Trompeo. “There is a great tradition here at NYU, and I intend to keep the program at that level.”

In addition to the return of senior Jessica McEntee, the three-time University Athletic Association Player of the Year and an eight-time All-American, Trompeo’s knack for developing young talent helped the Violets make a nine-win improvement in 2008-09 from their 2007-08 total (14-11). NYU enjoyed a seven-victory improvement against UAA competition, going 10-4 in Association play while placing third in one of the country’s toughest conferences.

NYU finished the season ranked No. 16 in the D3hoops.com Top 25. The Violets defeated Salve Regina and Stevens in the NCAA Tournament before bowing to Amherst, which reached the Final Four.

"Stefano Trompeo is a very good basketball coach and a terrific person. I am pleased that he has accepted our offer to coach our women's basketball team,” said Christopher Bledsoe, NYU’s athletic director. “He did a wonderful job as interim coach this past season. The record in UAA play and the trip to the Sweet 16 are great accomplishments. The job he did, in partnership with this team, is truly special. I look forward to the future with Stefano at the helm."

Trompeo arrived at NYU in 2002-03. As an assistant under Quinn, he helped the Violets go 105-32 (.766). The team earned four NCAA Tournament invitations in five years, including the program’s third-ever Final Four appearance in 2007. In addition, Trompeo was part of the Violets’ UAA Coaching Staff of the Year in 2002-03 and 2006-07, with NYU winning the UAA Co-Championship in the latter season.

“I am thankful to (former Florida men’s assistant coach) Tim Maloney for having faith in my ability to recommend me for the assistant’s position and to Janice Quinn for giving me an opportunity to learn under her wing,” Trompeo explained. “Without these two things, I would not be here today with such an amazing opportunity.”

A 2003 graduate of Florida with a degree in sport management, Trompeo was a manager and practice player for Florida’s women’s basketball program. He also served as a counselor at the prestigious Florida Lady Gator Basketball Camp.