Delaware Valley University Names Dave Duda as Director of Athletics

Delaware Valley University announced today that after a national search, Dave Duda has been appointed as director of athletics.

Duda brings more than 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics coaching and administration to the position. He was the head men's basketball coach and director of athletics at fellow Middle Atlantic Conference member Widener University, where he served for eight years. He spent the last 13 seasons as the lead assistant men's basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at Division I Saint Joseph's University under Philadelphia coaching legend Phil Martelli.

While at Widener, Duda directed 20 NCAA-sponsored sports and supervised more than 80 full- and part-time staff members. He served as a member of the University's senior leadership team and helped develop and complete construction of new wellness centers, a baseball stadium complex, new turf facilities, and new locker rooms for each individual sport. In addition, he hosted philanthropic events and worked with the development team to increase fundraising. His basketball team was ranked in the top-10 nationally and reached the NCAA tournament in 2000, 2001, and 2006 (sweet 16).

During his time at St. Joe's, the Hawks made three trips to the NCAA tournament, including Atlantic Ten Championships in 2014 and 2016. He also served as the program's lead recruiting coordinator and developed 12 all-conference players, including current NBA players Langston Galloway and Deandre Bembry.

With this appointment, Duda returns to DelVal, where he got his start in collegiate athletics as the Aggies' head men's basketball coach from 1996 to 1998. He inherited a program that went 0-23 the year before he arrived, and in just two years improved the squad to 12-12 – its first non-losing season in 15 years – with a roster composed of mostly freshmen. He brought in 25 freshmen in two years, was named the conference Coach of the Year, and coached the conference's Rookie of the Year in 1997-98.

"I am humbled and honored to accept the position of director of athletics at Delaware Valley University," said Duda. "I am so very grateful to [University President] Dr. Maria Gallo and [Vice President for Student Affairs] Dr. April Vari for entrusting me with this wonderful opportunity to be a part of their team and to take the athletics programs to a new level. I look back so fondly at my previous time at Delaware Valley, and embrace the challenges ahead to have a greater impact in my new role."

With his experience, Duda has a strong desire to make a difference through athletics administration. The team-building skills he possesses make him an effective administrator and resource and will help move the DelVal Athletics Department forward collaboratively. His understanding of and strength in recruiting and fundraising gives him an invaluable institutional perspective.

"Athletic participation plays a role in student success, and it is a great example of experiential learning, both pillars of DelVal's new strategic plan," said Dr. Vari. "I am excited that Dave is joining us at this time. I know that his experience and skill-set will be tremendous assets as we continue to develop and enhance our athletic program as an important component of the overall student experience."

He is set to start his tenure on June 10.