Celebrating Skyhawk History Maker Ed Cooley '94
Coach reaches career milestone with 300 wins.
Ed Cooley ’94, head coach of the Providence College Friars men’s basketball team, earned a bachelor’s in history while attending Stonehill College. Though his undergraduate years were spent learning about the accomplishments of others, the 2019 Stonehill Athletic Hall of Fame inductee recently made some history of his own.
Cooley celebrated his 300th career win as a head coach after his players beat St. John’s by 10 points during a January 2021 faceoff. We recently caught up with the former three-year captain of the Skyhawk’s men’s basketball program to talk coaching, his time at Stonehill and the game of life.
As a student-athlete, Cooley (front row, center) served as captain of the Skyhawk’s men’s basketball program for three years.
You made Providence College history in January 2021 when you notched your 300th career win. How did it feel to achieve this milestone?
Winning my 300th game was a special moment because it has been a team achievement. It’s a tribute to all the student-athletes, coaches, managers, support personnel and administrators who have been a part of this during my career. I am so fortunate to be able to do what I do and have had the honor to coach so many great players. It would not have been possible without the support and sacrifice of my wife, Nurys, and my two children, Isaiah and Olivia.
Reflecting on your own athletic history, what was the most important lesson you learned while playing basketball at Stonehill College?
Basketball provided the platform that allowed me to view the game of life. Teamwork and discipline were the two principles that were instilled in me at an early age. Most importantly, I learned to maximize the opportunities that I gained through basketball.
Were there any professors or courses at Stonehill that you found to be particularly memorable? Why have they stayed with you years later?
My overall experience at Stonehill gave me a chance to grow, learn and experience something different. I will always appreciate the many opportunities that Stonehill provided. Richard Grant, former associate dean of academic achievement and director of academic services, was always there for me during my time at Stonehill. I am not sure I would have made it without his guidance. We had so many open and honest discussions. Coach Pepin and Coach DeCiantis gave me the opportunity and I will always appreciate that. Two classes that I will always remember were Afro American Studies and Models of the Brain.
The best advice that I ever got was take advantage of an opportunity. I constantly communicate to my players that they need to use basketball to enhance life and never forget where you come from.
Who are the people, either from world history or your own personal history, that have had the biggest impact on your life? How did they impact you?
My mother Jane Cooley taught me so much. I learned through her struggles. Gloria and Ed Searight (Cooley’s childhood neighbors) provided a foundation of academic integrity and family values. And Al Skinner (formerly Cooley’s boss and the head coach of the Boston College Eagles men's basketball team) gave me the opportunity to get into coaching.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given by a coach? On the flipside, what’s one piece of advice you find yourself commonly giving to your players?
The best advice that I ever got was take advantage of an opportunity. I constantly communicate to my players that they need to use basketball to enhance life and never forget where you come from.