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Suitland Today
By the People, for the People
Saint Francis Elevates McNeill to Head Women's Basketball Coach
Raphael McNeill takes over the Red Flash program as it transitions to NCAA Division III
Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:22pm
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The Saint Francis women's basketball program enters a new era under the leadership of coach Raphael McNeill, who will guide the team through its transition to Division III.Suitland TodaySaint Francis University has named Raphael McNeill as the new head coach of the women's basketball team. McNeill served as the acting head coach for the final six games of the 2025-26 season and will now lead the Red Flash as they transition to NCAA Division III and the Presidents' Athletic Conference for the 2026-27 season.
Why it matters
McNeill's appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Saint Francis women's basketball program as it moves from Division I to Division III. His leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding the team through this transition and maintaining the program's rich tradition of success.
The details
McNeill previously served as the associate head coach for the men's basketball team at Livingstone College, where he helped the team win the CIAA Tournament title in 2014-15. He also has high school coaching experience, leading the Riverdale Baptist varsity girls team to a 24-11 record and a top-10 ranking in Maryland in 2024-25.
- McNeill served as the acting head coach for the final six games of the 2025-26 season.
- The Red Flash will transition to NCAA Division III and the Presidents' Athletic Conference for the 2026-27 season.
The players
Raphael McNeill
The new head coach of the Saint Francis University women's basketball team. He previously served as the acting head coach for the final six games of the 2025-26 season.
Jim Brazill
The Director of Athletics at Saint Francis University.
Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.
The President of Saint Francis University.
What they’re saying
“This is an exciting time for Saint Francis women's basketball. I know Coach McNeil will do great things for our program. Ralph is an outstanding coach who knows how to develop players athletically and academically. He is the right coach to lead the program into the Division III era. I wish him every success as he takes the helm of Red Flash women's basketball.”
— Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., President, Saint Francis University
“Ralph led the women's basketball program to a historic win in the NEC to close out our time in Division I, and we are excited for him to lead us into the next phase as a member of NCAA Division III and the PAC. His leadership and dedication to this team over the final six games of the season demonstrated his passion for both the team and the university. We believe that he can continue the rich Red Flash women's basketball tradition we enjoyed as a member of the NEC and Division I through our transition to NCAA Division III.”
— Jim Brazill, Director of Athletics, Saint Francis University
“I would like to extend my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Father Malachi, Jim Brazill, and the entire Search Committee for your faith and trust in me, not only as a coach, but more importantly as a person chosen to lead this incredible women's basketball program. This opportunity means so much to me, and I do not take it for granted. Saint Francis University is a special place, and to be entrusted with guiding a program filled with such talented, driven, and remarkable young women is truly an honor. I am committed to pouring everything I have into leading, mentoring, and building something that reflects the pride, tradition, and excellence of this University.”
— Raphael McNeill, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Saint Francis University
What’s next
McNeill will begin his tenure as the head coach of the Saint Francis women's basketball team as the program transitions to NCAA Division III and the Presidents' Athletic Conference for the 2026-27 season.
The takeaway
Raphael McNeill's appointment as the new head coach of the Saint Francis women's basketball team comes at a pivotal time as the program moves from Division I to Division III. His experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the Red Flash through this transition and maintaining the team's tradition of success.
