Raphael McNeill was named the new head women’s basketball coach on April 9.
McNeill served as an assistant coach with the program for most of last season. He was promoted to acting head coach for the last four games of the 2025-26 season after former head coach Chynna Bozeman was relieved of her duties.
Prior to arriving in Loretto, McNeill served as the head girls basketball coach at Riverdale Baptist High School (MD) for one season. He has also served as an assistant coach at Riverdale Baptist, Livingstone College (NC), Virginia Union and Chesapeake (MD).
During his time as interim head coach at SFU, the team won its 400th NEC regular-season game when the Flash beat Central Connecticut on Feb. 28. This victory also marked McNeill’s first win as college head coach.
“What made that moment truly unforgettable wasn’t just the milestones – it was who we shared it with,” he said.
“Doing that in front of the SFU community, our supporters and my family is something I’ll carry with me forever.”
McNeill has coached on both the men’s and women’s sides at the college level. He served as an assistant with the men’s program at Livingstone for eight seasons and recruited and coached the Blue Bears’ all-time leading scorer, Roger Ray.
McNeill said that building strong team chemistry at SFU is a priority. He noted that this chemistry will be built through “honest conversations, accountability and trust.”
McNeill played at Old Dominion before transferring to Fayetteville State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Math.
“Coach would always tell us that it’s always us – never them. This reminded us to focus on what we can control and to improve on every single play,” said sophomore Sajol Thornhill.
During his season as head coach at Riverdale Baptist, his team posted a 24-11 record. Four players from that team went on to play at the college level.
“Ralph’s vision for the women’s basketball program aligns with the mission of Saint Francis,” said SFU Athletics Director Jim Brazill.
“We believe that he can continue the rich Red Flash tradition we enjoyed as a member of Division I through our transition to Division III.”
McNeill said he is excited to lead the program into this new era.
“If you trust the process, stay disciplined, and invest in your relationships here, you’ll leave Saint Francis University as a better player and a better person.”
