NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University Athletics Department is pleased to announce the hiring of David Cranston as the head coach of the women's basketball program ahead of the 2024-25 season.
David Cranston becomes the program's ninth head coach in the NCAA era, coming to Wilmington University with roots in both the First State and the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.
Cranston joins the Wildcats after being an assistant coach at Penn State Brandywine in Media, Pennsylvania, this past season. He has spent time on the bench at Thomas Jefferson University and multiple stints at the Ursuline Academy in Wilmington.
He started with the Ursuline Academy in 2008, culminating in the 2012 Delaware State Championship under head coach and mentor John Noonan. He returned to Ursuline in 2014, resulting in three consecutive Delaware State Championships form 2015-17. The 2015 squad was ranked No. 10 in the USA Today High School Girl's Basketball National Rankings. Cranston oversaw offensive play calling, game planning, and scouting during his time at Ursuline.
Cranston returned to the court for the 2020-21 season at Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference foe Jefferson University, working under Hall of Fame head coach Tom Shirley. He helped the Rams to two NCAA East Regional Tournaments, including a trip to the Regional Final in 2022-23. He was responsible for film breakdowns and game plans at Jefferson while working closely with both the guards and forward on individual workouts.
Most recently, Cranston this past season at Penn State Brandywine, helping the team to the PSUAC Tournament. He was involved in the recruiting of student-athletes as well as scouting and in-game play calling for the Lions.
Outside of the college ranks, Cranston cut his teeth as a head coach with the Lady Runnin' Rebels AAU organization, coaching the 15/16U team. He led the 2016 squad to the 2016 Under Armour National Championship.
Cranston takes over the women's basketball program at Wilmington following a 2-25 season. The new head coach and the Wildcats will get back on the court in September.