Maureen Costello, a 1998 St. Joseph’s University graduate, is in her first season as an assistant coach at the University. A four-year standout under SJU head coach Stephanie V. Gaitley, Costello returns to Hawk Hill after serving as an assistant coach at George Mason University this past season.

The Hawks’ captain as both a junior and senior, she garnered all-Atlantic 10 and Philadelphia Big Five honors both seasons. She helped lead SJU to the 1997 Atlantic 10 title, as well as a pair of Big Five crowns in 1995 and 1997. The Cityliners advanced to the post season in three of her four seasons, earning two NCAA Tournament berths (1995 and 1997) and making one WNIT appearance (1998). Costello concluded her career with 1,299 points and 681 rebounds, ranking eighth and sixth on the school’s career lists, respectively.

As a senior, Costello was named team MVP, as well as the Philadelphia Big Five’s Most Valuable Player. Additionally, she was honored as a first team all-Atlantic 10 pick after averaging 14.8 points and 9.0 rebounds. She was voted SJU’s Class of 1950 Award winner, which is presented to the University’s top female senior athlete.

One of the region’s most highly touted prep players during her high school career at Nazareth Academy, she was Pennsylvania’s Gatorade Circle of Champions Player of the Year, as well as the USA Today’s Pennsylvania Player of the Year.

After graduating from Hawk Hill, Costello spent two seasons playing basketball professionally in Luxembourg. Her younger sister Kathy served as one of the Hawks’ co-captains this past season, helping SJU to a 25-6 record.