Lou Carnesecca ’50Ed, ’60GEd, ’00HON describes himself as “…a
New Yorker, a St. John’s man and a person with good values who’s
respectful of others.”
It’s hard to believe that Lou wasn’t much of a basketball player
when he was growing up on the streets of New York. In those
early days baseball was his game, but that all changed once he
decided to move his enthusiasm and excitement into a realm that
would allow him to become an icon as one of the most successful –
and recognized – basketball coaches in history. The animated
and much-beloved “Coach” is a New York legend, leading every one of
his St. John’s teams to a post-season appearance. In 1985 his
team advanced to the NCAA Final Four, and competed in the NCAA
Regional Finals in both 1979 and 1991.
Spirit
of Service Award Video Presentation
Known for his animated coaching style and a particularly
colorful sweater, Lou Carnesecca entered the Hall of Fame with an
incredible St. John’s record of 18 seasons of 20 or more wins,
averaging more than 20 wins per season throughout his collegiate
coaching career. His incredible success earned him numerous
local and national accolades, including multiple Coach of the Year
honors from the United States Basketball Writers Association, the
National Association of Basketball Coaches and the BIG EAST.
Standing by Lou’s side since their marriage in 1951, Mary
Carnesecca has always been one of her husband’s biggest fans, both
personally and professionally, even though she was usually too
nervous to attend his games in person. Preferring to remain
in the background, Mary devoted her life to her family, serving as
a source of strength for Lou and a role model for their beloved
daughter, Enes.
Like Lou, Mary Carnesecca embraces the Vincentian ideals of
reaching out to those among us with the greatest needs. In
their quietly dignified way, the Carneseccas have supported
numerous charitable organizations, particularly those of a
religious nature and those relating to health care for
children.
Speaking for himself and Mary, “Coach” readily acknowledges that
“The good Vincentian Fathers have been, and still are, a fine
example!”