Basketball Program Nets Another Successful Season
The men’s and women’s basketball teams scored another successful run on the courts during the 2025-26 season. They swept the 2026 East Coast Conference (ECC) Championships, with the men’s and women’s teams securing their second- and fifth-straight championship titles, respectively.
The men’s team returned to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the first time since 2021, ending the year with a program-best record of 33-2.
Zach Philipkoski and Benjamin Bill earned All-District honors from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), as well as All-Region honors from the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA). Philipkoski was also named NCAA Division II All-American by the NABC, D2CCA All-America Third Team—one of 1 5 players across the country to earn this status, and 2026 ECC Player of the Year.
The women’s basketball team finished the season with a 26-4 record, including a 15-1 ECC run, and made the NCAA Division II Sweet 1 6 for the second time in three years.
Claire Pikett was named ECC Defensive Player of the Year. In addition, Pikett, Sophie Auer, Kyleigh Chapman, and Julia Fontanillo were named Academic All-District by the College Sports Communicators.
“It was another stellar year for our basketball program,” said Traci Murphy, vice president for athletics. “Our coaches, staff, and athletes continue to raise the bar through their dedication, sportsmanship, and tenacity in pushing each other to drive results. I’m really proud of who we are and what we do here.”
Sage Named Athletic Trainer of the Year
Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Medicine & Performance Jeff Sage was named the NCAA Division II Head Athletic Trainer of the Year by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine.
Daemen Announces New NCAA Women’s Flag Football Program
Daemen is adding women’s flag football as its 17th NCAA sponsored sport. A national search for a head coach is underway, and the program will kick off during the 2027-28 academic year.
Grandits Named Men’s Basketball Head Coach
Ryan Grandits ’17 has been named the new head coach of the men’s basketball program. He replaces longtime head coach Mike MacDonald, who is returning to his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University.
Grandits spent a decade at Daemen, first as a player during his graduate season in 201 5-1 6, and then as a member of the men’s basketball coaching staff under MacDonald from 201 6-25. Grandits began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Daemen before rising to become the program’s top assistant and associate head coach.
“Given the recent success of our men’s basketball program, this was not an ordinary coaching search,” said Traci Murphy, vice president for athletics. “After speaking with several very qualified coaches, Ryan’s name quickly rose to the surface as the best person to lead this program. What set Ryan apart in this process was his sophisticated understanding of the Division II landscape.”
Grandits said he is excited to return to Daemen, “I can’t wait to get back to work with these guys; I have such great relationships with them from my time as an assistant and I’m looking forward to leading them now!”
Johnson Runs to Glory During Fall Cross Country Season
Junior CJ Johnson became Daemen’s first male athlete to compete at the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships in November 2025 after placing seventh overall at the East Region Championships.
He earned All-Region honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for the second time in his career, and was also named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team.
Johnson is the first male Daemen runner to win at a conference championship meet and to be named ECC Most Outstanding Runner. He also garnered a First Team All-ECC selection.
Miranto Wraps Up Stellar Soccer Career with All-American Honors
Senior forward Kylie Miranto was named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-America Second Team, marking one of the finest careers in the Daemen women’s soccer program.
Last fall, Miranto, a two-time All-American, became the fourth player in program history to surpass 100 career points. She finished her career with 117 points and 49 goals, ranking third in program history for both.
Miranto completed her final collegiate campaign as the East Coast Conference leader in points (38) and goals (16), en route to earning ECC Offensive Player of the Year honors for the third straight season, and was named to the All-ECC First Team and the D2CCA All-Region Team.
