Chris Santo ’15 was named the 11th head coach of the Saint Anselm men’s basketball program in April of 2024.
Santo returns to the Hilltop after three years as an assistant coach with perennial America East powerhouse University of Vermont. The Catamounts posted a 79-24 record in his three seasons with the program and extended their run to eight straight conference titles.
Prior to UVM, Santo spent one season as an assistant video coordinator of the New York Knicks. Santo worked closely with the Knicks’ coaching staff to develop game plans and strategies for opponent scouts. He also analyzed film and assisted with player development and analytics. During his time with New York, the Knicks posted a 41-31 record to finish fourth in the Eastern Conference and secure the franchise’s first postseason appearance in eight seasons. The Knicks also saw Julius Randle win NBA’s Most Improved Player and head coach Tom Thibodeau win NBA Coach of the Year.
Prior to joining the Knicks franchise, Santo spent four seasons on the sidelines with legendary Hawks coach Keith Dickson as an assistant with his alma mater. Santo worked directly under Coach Dickson overseeing every facet of the program both on and off the court. The Hawks produced four straight NCAA Division II Tournament Teams with Santo on staff. Saint Anselm made the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2019. While at Saint Anselm, Santo helped coach seven All-Conference players and was honored as a part of the NABC 30 Under 30 list in 2018.
Santo's collegiate playing career began in Burlington, where the forward spent one season before transferring to the Hilltop. The Cherry Hill, New Jersey native played one season for Vermont when the program won the 2012 America East Championship and defeated Lamar in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. At Saint Anselm for the final three seasons of his collegiate career, Santo was a key member of two Northeast-10 Regular Season Championships. He captained the Hawks as a senior and was named an All-American in 2015, as well as Northeast-10 Player of the Year.
Santo played one season overseas for Falken Cynergi Virtus in Malta, where he won a First Division Men’s Championship.
Santo graduated in 2015 with a degree in history and a minor in secondary education.
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What they're saying about Coach Santo
“Saint Anselm hit a home run by bringing Chris Santo back home. While with the Knicks, he was great with player development and devising game plans. His attention to detail and his hard-working nature will allow Saint A’s to continue the great tradition that Keith Dickson established!” – Andy Greer, New York Knicks Assistant Coach
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“There could not be a more perfect candidate to follow Coach Dickson’s hall of fame career than Coach Santo. His ability to teach and relate to his players is what makes him such an exceptional coach, but what really makes him a perfect match is his unwavering belief in the Saint A’s basketball culture and everything that it stands for to wear the Hawks uniform. I think I can speak for all past players when I say the program is in great hands and we cannot wait to see Coach Santo take the reins!” – Tim Guers ‘19
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“Coach Santo’s ability to connect with players is like no other and really helped me develop on and off the court throughout my career. His attention to detail was great too, there would be certain things we would both see out there and were just able to bounce those ideas off each other to reach the success we had. I think him leading a program is going to be great. He is the type of coach you want to bust it for because he’d do anything for you.” – Aaron Deloney – UVM Men’s Basketball Class of 2024
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“Chris is such a great positive person along with him being charismatic and hardworking. Every single day he pushed me to be the best version of myself. His consistent efforts helped me gain the utmost confidence in my abilities and he helped me believe in the process. It was an honor to be able to work with Coach Santo.” – Justin Mazzulla UVM ’22 - Assistant Coach & Video Coordinator with the Salt Lake City Stars
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“I was fortunate to play with and also be coached by Coach Santo during my time at Saint Anselm. He is one of the best leaders and relationship builders in all of college basketball. Chris is a winner, and we’re so confident he will continue the success of the program.” - Taylor Fortin ‘18
