Erin Batth Introduced as PC Women’s Basketball Coach

Providence College President Father Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P., and Athletics Director Steve Napolillo addressed a crowd of more than 1,000 people as they joined together to introduce Kim English as the head men’s basketball coach and Erin Batth as the head women’s basketball coach. English became the 16th coach of the men’s basketball program while Batth became the 11th coach of the women’s basketball program. The press conference, which was streamed on YouTube and open to the public, was held on March 29 at Alumni Hall’s Mullaney Gym.

The campus community came out in full force to welcome the new Friar coaches, in addition to an overwhelming number of family and friends. Also in attendance was the Rhode Island governor, Dan McKee.

Napolillo opened the press conference with some brief remarks regarding the process and also introduced President Sicard to the podium.

“I can’t tell you the excitement I am feeling, the last seven days have been late nights of joy,” Napolillo said. “We are welcoming two shining stars and two rising rockets to the Friar family. They are going to rewrite history.”

“There are so many reasons why Friar basketball is so successful,” Fr.Sicard said. “Passion for our program’s has been off the charts and the enthusiasm we feel in this room for this new beginning speaks volumes about how much this means to us as a community. Basketball is an essential part of the fabric and the culture here at PC and its as important to our future as it has been a defining part of our proud heritage.”

“When I talk about the sky is the limit, that’s how I feel when I’m here,” Batth said. “Over time, Providence College has become synonymous with high-level basketball and high-level academics. I knew when the time came, I would be ready to become a head coach, and that time is right now. More importantly I am excited to build something that everyone in the community will be proud of.”

“The beauty of this place is that we have every single thing we need to get it done here,” said English. “The fan support, the home court advantage, the facilities, the leadership, everything to get it done here and we’re ready to get to work.”

At the conclusion of the press conference, Coach English and Coach Batth spent time with the large contingent of media on hand for the event. To watch the archived press conference, click here.