St. Lawrence University Intercollegiate Athletics has announced that decorated leader Chris Downs, the winningest head coach in men's basketball program history, will take over as interim head coach of the women's basketball team.

As the winningest head coach in program history and a stalwart of New York State Division III basketball, Downs brings 29 seasons of elite championship culture, over 400 career victories, and a proven blueprint for national success straight to the women's program.

"Coach Downs is clearly one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in Division III basketball, with a proven record of building championship programs while making a lasting impact on the lives of his student-athletes," said Franco Bari, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at St. Lawrence. "Throughout his tenure at St. Lawrence, he has elevated our men's basketball program, building a culture rooted in excellence, accountability, and the values that define the Scarlet and Brown."

"Just as importantly, Chris has mentored generations of Laurentian student-athletes, helping them succeed both on the court and long after graduation," Bari continued. "His commitment to developing exceptional people, fostering meaningful relationships, and embracing the traditions of St. Lawrence makes him the ideal leader for our women's basketball program. We are excited for this next chapter and confident that Chris will build upon the proud tradition of Saints women's basketball. His leadership, vision, and passion for the Laurentian experience will position the program for sustained success."

That sustained success began with Downs' long run as men's head coach at St. Lawrence. Downs has engineered 22 postseason appearances, commanding deep national runs to the NCAA Elite Eight and Sweet 16.

That success came from effective tactics. His squads play an aggressive, grind-you-down style of basketball; evidenced by a recent team leading all of NCAA Division III in field goal percentage defense, locking opponents down to 34.49 per cent.
Downs transforms raw potential into national stardom, having produced two National All-Americans, nine All-East Region selections, six Conference Rookies of the Year, three Conference Players of the Year, and 47 All-Conference honorees.

As a voter on the NABC Division III All-America Committee, Downs along with 10 other regional representatives reviews regional standouts and helps select the National Players of the Year.

"I am beyond excited to take the reins of this program and lead these incredible student-athletes. I have always deeply admired the relentless work ethic and passion of the women's players and coaches who have worn the Scarlet and Brown," said Saints interim head women's basketball coach Chris Downs. "This program is built on an exceptionally rich tradition of historic excellence. We are talking about building on a legacy where Coach Dan Roiger made history by taking his team to a perfect, undefeated 16-0 Liberty League season, the only team to ever do it. We are talking about the standard set by G.P. Gromacki when he commanded the 2001-02 squad all the way to the NCAA National Championship game. That standard of greatness is exactly what we are going to chase every single day."

Downs was named the 15th head coach in the modern era of St. Lawrence basketball at just 27 years old, and recently saw his legendary 1996-97 and 1997-98 squads inducted into the St. Lawrence Athletics Hall of Fame. A 1992 graduate of Oneonta State, he earned his bachelor's degree in elementary education and was an All-SUNYAC selection his senior year. He and his wife Tonki '96 reside in Canton. They have two sons, Andy '24 and Christopher '26, and a daughter, Winnie '29, who is currently a sophomore on the women's lacrosse team at St. Lawrence. Both of Downs' sons are alumni of the men's basketball program.
 
Plans for the St. Lawrence men's basketball coaching role will be announced in the coming days.