NEWBURGH, N.Y. – Mount Saint Mary College Director of Athletics Samantha Howe has announced the promotion of Assistant Women's Basketball Coach Geary McLeod to head women's basketball coach. McLeod becomes the fifth head coach in program history, succeeding Marion Dietz, who recently accepted an assistant coaching position with St. Bonaventure University.
"We are pleased to announce that Assistant Coach Geary McLeod will step into the head coaching role," said Howe. "Geary has been a part of the program for the past three years, playing an integral role in its growth and success. We are confident in his vision to build upon the strong foundation established and continue moving the program forward. We look forward to this next chapter under Geary's leadership and the continued success of MSMC Women's Basketball."
Mount Saint Mary College would also like to thank Coach Dietz for her hard work and dedication to the women's basketball program over the past three seasons. Under her leadership, the Knights captured the 2024-25 Skyline Conference Championship and earned a berth in the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament.
"Congratulations to Marion Dietz on her new position," added Howe. "We are thrilled for her as she embarks on this exciting new opportunity. Her leadership, passion, and commitment to the women's basketball team and MSMC Athletics have made a lasting impact. While she will be greatly missed, we are excited to see all that she accomplishes in her new role and wish her nothing but success."
McLeod, who served as the program's Assistant Women's Basketball Coach for the past three seasons, has helped guide the Knights to three consecutive winning seasons. During his tenure on the bench, Mount Saint Mary captured the 2024-25 Skyline Conference Championship and returned to the NCAA Tournament. He played a key role in the development of numerous All-Conference selections while helping establish a culture centered around excellence, accountability, and success both on and off the court.
"I'm incredibly honored and thankful to be named the head coach of the women's basketball program at Mount Saint Mary College," said McLeod. "I want to express my sincere gratitude to Athletic Director Sam Howe and the administration for entrusting me with this opportunity and believing in the vision we have for the future. I'd also like to thank Coach Dietz for her leadership, the impact she has had on this program, and everything we accomplished over the past three years. I wish her all the best as she begins her next chapter.
"The Mount is a special place, and I'm excited to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid. I look forward to serving our student-athletes and building a culture rooted in faith, accountability, togetherness, and competitive excellence. We will strive to compete at a high level, represent this institution with pride, and positively impact the lives of the young women entrusted to us. I give all glory to God for His grace and guidance, and I'm excited to get to work with our players, staff, alumni, and supporters as we continue moving Mount Women's Basketball forward together."
A familiar face within the program, McLeod's promotion provides continuity for the Knights as they look to build upon the success achieved in recent seasons. His understanding of the team's culture and commitment to student-athlete development will allow for a seamless transition as he takes over the reins of the program.
