Michael Romano joins Hartwick College as the assistant men’s basketball coach for the 2016-17 academic year. He brings 11 years of coaching experience to the Empire 8 defending champion Hawks.
In his most recent position as associate head men’s basketball coach at Bard College, Romano immediately enhanced the competitiveness of the program. His team fell only once by double-digits in conference action in contrast to seven double-digit losses just a season prior. His vast circuit of AAU and high school coaches has enabled him to consistently land marquee players. Romano’s innovative defensive instruction resulted in the Raptors finishing at the top of the Liberty League’s defenses.
In his three years as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Rhode Island College, the Anchormen compiled a 66-21 record and advanced to the Little East Championship game in all three seasons. They won a regular season championship, two tournament championships, and made a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. In the spring of 2014, Romano was appointed interim head coach and effectively spearheaded day-to-day operations of the program.
Romano’s heralded experience has included tenures at Marist College, Western Connecticut State University, Dutchess Community College, Elite Basketball of the Hudson Valley and Webutuck High School. Furthermore, he has served on staffs of numerous camps including New York/Westchester Knicks’ Cleanthony Early Risers AAU Basketball Program, GymRat Challenge AAU Basketball Tournaments, and those held at Division I Institutions Brown, Villanova and Siena College.
The Pawling, NY native is nearing nine years as being an integral part of The Hoop Group. He has aided in the operation of Hoop Group Elite Camp and JamFest AAU Tournaments where he continues to foster relationships with coaches, athletes, parents and staff.
Romano holds a Master of Education from Marist College and Bachelor of Arts in History from Western Connecticut State University.
