Mike McDevitt Retires After 32 Years, Saint Josephs College Basketball Legend

Mike McDevitt, a towering figure in Saint Joseph’s College athletics, has officially stepped away from the sidelines after an illustrious 32-year tenure as head coach of the women’s basketball team. With an unparalleled legacy of 645 victories, 19 conference titles, and 14 national championship appearances, McDevitt’s name is forever etched into the annals of the college’s history. Yet, his departure from coaching does not mark an end to his contributions; he will continue to serve the institution as associate athletic director and NCAA compliance administrator. Taking the reins of the program is Christopher Woodside, a trusted assistant coach of four seasons, who inherits not only a team but also a legacy steeped in excellence.

A Legacy Built on Wins, Family, and Community

For over three decades, McDevitt’s leadership turned Saint Joseph’s women’s basketball into a perennial powerhouse, but his impact extended far beyond the court. A former standout player for the Monks himself, McDevitt’s roots at the college run deep. His connection to the program became even more profound through his wife, Margaret, also a former player, and their three children, all of whom carried the family’s basketball tradition to the collegiate level. Among them, Megan McDevitt had the unique experience of playing under her father’s guidance, a testament to the family’s shared passion for the sport.

The McDevitt name has become synonymous with Saint Joseph’s basketball, not just for the accolades but for the culture of dedication and integrity that Mike fostered. His leadership was both tactical and personal, as he built relationships that transcended wins and losses. Players often described him as a mentor who shaped their lives as much as their games. It’s no surprise that both Mike and Margaret are enshrined in the school’s athletic hall of fame, a rare distinction that underscores their lasting contributions.

Yet, McDevitt’s retirement is more than a personal milestone; it marks the end of an era for Saint Joseph’s athletics. His departure coincides with the retirement of Tony Dann, the college’s cross country coach of 26 seasons, making March 20 a day of significant transition for the institution. Together, McDevitt and Dann represent nearly six decades of coaching excellence, leaving a void that will be felt across the campus community.

The Future of a Storied Program

As McDevitt steps into his new administrative roles, the spotlight shifts to Christopher Woodside, the man tasked with continuing the program’s legacy. Woodside, who has spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach, brings both familiarity and fresh energy to the role. While the shoes he’s filling are undeniably large, his tenure under McDevitt has provided a front-row seat to the strategies and values that have defined the team’s success. Players and fans alike will watch closely as Woodside navigates this pivotal chapter, balancing the weight of tradition with the opportunity to chart his own course.

The transition also raises broader questions about the future of Saint Joseph’s athletics. With two iconic coaches departing simultaneously, the college faces a moment of reflection and renewal. How will the institution honor its storied past while embracing the challenges of a competitive and evolving athletic landscape? The answers will likely unfold in the coming seasons, as new leaders step forward to build on the foundation laid by McDevitt and Dann.

As for McDevitt, his shift to administrative roles ensures that his influence will remain a guiding force at Saint Joseph’s. His deep understanding of the college’s athletic culture positions him as an invaluable resource for the next generation of coaches and athletes. While his days of drawing up plays may be behind him, his commitment to the institution remains unwavering.

In the end, McDevitt’s career is a reminder that greatness in sports is measured not only by championships but by the relationships and legacies left behind. His 32 years at Saint Joseph’s were about more than basketball; they were about building a community, one victory, one player, and one season at a time. As the college moves forward, it does so with gratitude for a coach who gave his all—on the court and beyond.