2023 SCHOLASTIC COACH OF THE YEAR
Eric Gidney | Girl’s Basketball, Lansdale Catholic High School
After taking over Lansdale Catholic’s program five years ago, Coach Gidney meticulously guided the Crusaders through growing pains while competing against some of the state’s most difficult competition.
His diligence, motivation, steady hand, and patience culminated with Lansdale Catholic’s first-ever Philadelphia Catholic League basketball championship this past season in a 50-47 victory over Archbishop Wood.
One month later, the Crusaders completed a 29-win season by capturing their first-ever PIAA 4A state title in a 53-45 victory over Blackhawk.
Among those whom Coach Gidney helped develop was Lansdale Catholic standout guard Gabby Casey, who was named the 2023 PIAA Class 4A Player of the Year and will play at St. Joseph’s University next year.
Casey had glowing remarks about Coach Gidney.
She said Coach Gidney “always pushed me to be a better person on and off the court and has had a big impact on the person and player I have become.”