MANCHESTER, N.H. - Saint Anselm College Vice President for Athletics Daron Montgomery announced Tuesday the appointment of Fr. Basil Franciose, O.S.B. '17 as the department's Student-Athlete Support Coordinator. The appointment marks a monumental moment for the College, as Fr. Basil becomes the first monk appointed to a full-time athletics position in Saint Anselm's history.
 
"We are thankful to have a member of the monastic community joining the athletics staff in a full-time capacity," commented Montgomery. "Fr. Basil is passionate about the student-athlete experience on the Hilltop and will be a huge asset in supporting more than 600 student-athletes, both academically and athletically."
 
As Student-Athlete Support Coordinator, Fr. Basil will be responsible for assisting the athletic department's comprehensive compliance program for the college's NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics program. His administrator role will also help with initial and continuing eligibility for more than 600 student-athletes while monitoring and educating coaches regarding adherence with NCAA, Northeast-10, NEWHA, and ECC bylaws and regulations. Additionally, Fr. Basil will oversee the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and assist with the scheduling and coordinating of transportation for all varsity teams.

Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B., abbot of Saint Anselm Abbey, and chancellor of Saint Anselm College expressed his confidence in his brother monk in this new position by stating: "I know well Fr. Basil's competence, along with his enthusiasm for collegiate athletics. I am sure he will be a most positive addition to our overall athletic program, and a strong advocate for our many student-athletes." 
 
Fr. Basil has been a familiar face since stepping onto the Saint Anselm campus in 2013 as an undergraduate student. The Utah native graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology along with a minor in Philosophy in 2017. The following year, Fr. Basil entered Saint Anselm Abbey as a postulant to begin his journey toward solemn vows to the priesthood. In preparation for being ordained a priest, he studied at Saint John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, earning his Master's in Divinity.
 
During the 2022-23 academic year, Fr. Basil served as the chaplain for both the field hockey and women's lacrosse programs. He also organized an Athlete Bible Study group on campus called "Fellowship of Christian Athletes" that has been running for the past two years.
 
"It is an exciting opportunity to be a part of such a robust department on campus," said Fr. Basil. "I look forward to working with a number of student-athletes regarding their enthusiasm for their own sport, and I hope to bring a unique energy to the department as a monk who has a passion for athletics."