A Homecoming for a Rising Coach
St. Lawrence University announced that Riley Naclerio, a 2018 graduate and former team captain, will take the reins of the Saints men's basketball program for the 2026‑27 season. The announcement marks a full‑circle moment for a coach who previously served as an assistant at his alma mater and who now returns with a résumé that includes two decades of collegiate experience.
During his four‑year stint at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Naclerio guided the Engineers to a perfect streak of NEWMAC titles and a Sweet 16 appearance in the 2024‑25 NCAA Tournament. His teams posted a 90‑19 record, and he helped develop four 1,000‑point scorers, three NEWMAC Players of the Year, and multiple All‑American selections.
Before WPI, Naclerio spent the 2021‑22 season as an assistant at Gettysburg College and earlier contributed to St. Lawrence from 2019 to 2021, where he coached a Liberty League Rookie of the Year and an All‑Conference player. As a forward for the Saints between 2014 and 2018, he amassed 1,502 points — second in program history — and earned two‑time All‑Liberty League honors while captaining the squad.
Expressing gratitude to Athletic Director Franco Bari and the university administration, Naclerio said the opportunity to return home is "a privilege and a responsibility" to continue the program’s tradition of excellence. He has already begun outreach to prospective recruits, signaling an aggressive approach to maintaining the Saints’ competitive edge.
The administration is confident that Naclerio’s blend of playing pedigree, coaching acumen, and recruiting savvy will keep the Saints among the nation’s elite. With a strong foundation already in place, the new head coach is poised to build on recent successes and steer the program toward another era of sustained achievement.