Saint Francis University Director of Athletics Jim Brazill has announced Raphael McNeill as the women's basketball head coach. McNeill served as the acting head coach for the final six games of the 2025-26 season. McNeill becomes the 10th head coach as the team heads into its 39th season in program history, and the first as the Red Flash transition to NCAA Division III and the Presidents' Athletics Conference for the 2026-27 season.

"This is an exciting time for Saint Francis women's basketball," said Saint Francis President Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D. "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."

McNeill helped Saint Francis wrap up its time in the NEC and Division I with a momentous win in its last home game against CCSU on February 28. With an 82-63 win against the Blue Devils, the Red Flash won its 400th regular-season game in the NEC to be the only program in the league to reach that total, and it also clinched the 31st NEC Tournament appearance in program history. 

"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," said Brazill. "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."

McNeill came to Loretto after two years at Riverdale Baptist High School. He served as the varsity women's basketball head coach, leading the team to a 24-11 record and a Top 10 ranking in Maryland in 2024-25. Additionally, two players from that team received NCAA Division I scholarship offers, while two others earned NCAA Division II offers. For the 2023-24 season, McNeill served as the associate head coach of the Riverdale Baptist varsity boys team and as the head coach of the junior varsity team. 

"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," said McNeill. "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." 

Before his time at Riverdale Baptist, McNeill spent eight seasons as the associate head coach for the men's basketball team at Livingstone College. The team won the CIAA Tournament title in 2014-15, and McNeill recruited and coached the program's all-time leading scorer and CIAA Player of the Year, Roger Ray.

"I am incredibly excited to embrace this next chapter and to help usher in a new era of Saint Francis women's basketball," said McNeill. "I am ready to get to work, to build meaningful relationships, and to chase greatness alongside these amazing student-athletes. I am honored. I am grateful. And I am blessed. To God Be The Glory."

He began his coaching career at the NCAA level as an assistant coach at Virginia Union, a CIAA school, during the 2013-14 season. McNeill was an assistant coach at NJCAA Division I Chesapeake College for two years. He coached three All-Region XX players with the Skipjacks.

McNeill got his start in coaching at the high school level in Prince George's County at Suitland, C.H. Flowers, and Largo. 

McNeill began his collegiate playing career at Old Dominion University before transferring to Fayetteville State University, where he earned a degree in computer science and mathematics in 2001. 

What They Are Saying About Raphael McNeill:
Luke McConnell - Saint Francis Men's Basketball Head Coach
"I am so excited to have Ralph as our head women's basketball coach. His authenticity, energy and ability to connect make him an elite leader. He understands the rich tradition of women's basketball here at Saint Francis. Ralph will be a great representative of this university, athletic department, and community."

James Stinson - Men's Basketball Head Coach at Livingstone College 
"Coach McNeill is a great choice to be the women's basketball head coach at Saint Francis. I appreciated the time we had with him at Livingstone, as he helped move the program forward while he was here. He is a top-notch recruiter, but more importantly, what he does for the student-athletes goes beyond the court after the ball goes flat, because Coach McNeill prepares them for life after basketball." 

Tarrell Robinson - Women's Basketball Head Coach at North Carolina A&T University 
"Saint Francis struck gold hiring Coach McNeil. He was a hidden gem, and now he gets the opportunity to lead, inspire, and mentor at the collegiate level. Beyond his sharp basketball mind, he is a great communicator and a very dependable person. He will create an environment built on investment and trust. I'm truly happy for my long-time friend."

Sonia Chase - CEO and Founder of Chase Your Dreams Academy and Former WNBA Player (Charlotte Sting)
"As someone who has played and led at the highest levels of the game, I can say with confidence that Coach Raphael McNeill is an exceptional leader and an outstanding choice for this role. He brings a rare combination of basketball intelligence, integrity, player development, and the ability to build a championship culture that empowers young women both on and off the court. Coach McNeill understands that great programs are not built on talent alone; they are built on leadership, accountability, discipline, and trust. This is a major win for the program, and I have no doubt he will make a lasting impact."