Men's Basketball | 11/10/2025 10:35:00 AM
BEAVER FALLS, Pa. (pacathletics.org) – Jeff Santarsiero has been pacing the Geneva College men's basketball sidelines as the program's head coach since 1996. Santarsiero, who started his Geneva College tenure as an assistant coach in 1988 and is set to coach his 30th season for the Golden Tornadoes, will retire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Santarsiero started his coaching career as the women's head coach at his alma mater, Nyack College, where he posted a 72-32 record. Taking over the head coaching reigns at Geneva in 1996, Santarsiero has compiled 403 victories for the Golden Tornadoes, which is the most in the decorated history of Geneva College basketball that dates back to the late 1800's.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of Geneva College and our basketball program for 38 years," says Santarsiero. "Basketball has given me the opportunity to do things in my life that been truly special, and I am grateful to Geneva and God for allowing me to share my faith in people's lives both on and off the court. I am excited for this final season and working with a talented group of players one last time."
"Jeff Santarsiero is one of the most selfless people I have ever met," said Van Zanic, Geneva College's Chief Athletics Officer. "Jeff's love for Geneva College, love for the Golden Tornadoes, and most importantly his love for our student athletes is unmatched. He is unwavering in his faithfulness to the mission of Geneva College and his impact on our students goes far beyond the basketball court. Coach Santarsiero has represented the College and the men's basketball team with class and grace for over three decades and he is leaving some very large shoes to fill."
Under Santarsiero's leadership, the men's basketball program captured the Presidents' Athletic Conference championship in 2024 with an overall record of 24-4. Geneva finished second in the conference standings in 2021 and lost in the PAC finals in 2020.
"I have been blessed by so many people throughout my journey," continues Santarsiero. "From so many talented players to assistant coaches, to my mentor Jerry Slocum, who taught me the game as a young coach. I am grateful to Van Zanic and the Geneva administration, along with my colleagues. I am thankful to this college and all here who have impacted me as much as I have impacted them. The support from my family has been unwavering and a true blessing from my wife, Sue, and my kids Drew and Ashley, who have loved, supported and sacrificed for me throughout my career."
In addition to being a member of the Nyack College Athletic Hall of Fame, Santarsiero was inducted into the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Hall of Fame in 2013. "Coach Santarsiero's fine record on the court speaks for itself," said Geneva College President Dr. Calvin Troup. "More important, for thirty years he has invited young men in Geneva's basketball program to take faith in Christ seriously, day-in and day-out, in all the relationships and conditions of life. We're grateful for his remarkable commitment and for contributions that have advanced DIII basketball at Geneva College."
Geneva College will conduct a national search for the next men's basketball coach at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. The Golden Tornadoes and coach Santarsiero open the new season with an exhibition game at Division I Robert Morris tonight. The Golden Tornadoes open their home schedule on November 14-15 when they host the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament. Geneva will play Lancaster Bible on the 14th at 7:30 pm and will welcome Carlow University on the 15th at noon.
Contributed by Geneva Sports Information