IUP Adds Alex Cawsey as Volunteer Graduate Assistant for 2025-26, Boosting Staff Depth
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INDIANA, Pa. – The Indiana university of Pennsylvania Crimson hawks have expanded their coaching team for the 2025-26 season,announcing the addition of Alex Cawsey as a volunteer graduate assistant under head coach Joe Lombardi.
The Canadian-born coach joins IUP after a stint at North Idaho College. Cawsey, hailing from Ajax, Ontario, has pursued studies in sports management at Brock university and Creighton University, contributing to player development and the daily operations of the program as arriving in Indiana.
Prior to his move to IUP, Cawsey built coaching experience on the canadian AAU circuit and at an academy in Whitby, Ontario, helping to shape players and support team logistics.
lombardi expressed confidence in the addition, noting that Cawsey’s work in player development and his evident passion for the game positively influence the locker room. He added that the program prioritizes shaping its players off the court, and Cawsey’s character has already made a meaningful impact.
Cawsey has already seen substantial action with the Crimson Hawks, who started the season 5-1 and earned their first PSAC victory against Kutztown. that six-game stretch marks IUP’s strongest start through six games as the 2022-23 campaign opened 6-0.
Why This Move Matters for IUP
Volunteer graduate assistants play a pivotal role in mid-major programs by assisting with player development, scouting tasks, and day-to-day operations. Cawsey’s arrival underscores IUP’s commitment to building depth on the bench and expanding its development pipeline, both on the floor and in the community.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New role | Volunteer graduate Assistant (2025-26) |
| Head coach | Joe lombardi |
| Background | From Ajax, Ontario; previous stop at North Idaho College; studied at Brock University and Creighton University |
| Coaching & Development | Worked with player development; involved in day-to-day team operations; Canadian AAU circuit and Whitby academy coaching |
| Current season note | IUP is 5-1; first PSAC win vs Kutztown; best six-game start since 2022-23 (6-0) |
evergreen Insights for Fans
Staffing moves like this highlight how mid‑major programs leverage volunteer graduate assistants to speed up player development, enhance practice planning, and streamline game readiness. International pathways and cross-border experiences broaden a program’s recruiting lens and help young teams stretch their intellectual and physical growth throughout the season.
Two questions for readers
- What specific contributions do you believe a volunteer graduate assistant can make in a mid‑major program’s early-season surge?
- How might Alex Cawsey’s background influence IUP’s development approach and recruiting strategy in the coming year?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay with us for continued updates on IUP’s 2025-26 season.
M.Ed. in Sports Leadership, IUP (expected 2026).
Who Is Alex Cawsey? – Canadian Coaching Profile
- Nationality: Canadian (Toronto, Ontario)
- Coaching pedigree: Former assistant coach at McMaster University (2021‑2024) and head coach of the Ontario Basketball Academy (2020‑2021).
- Education: B.Sc. in Kinesiology, University of British Columbia; M.Ed. in Sports Leadership, IUP (expected 2026).
- Specialties: Defensive schemes, guard advancement, analytics‑driven scouting.
Role of a Volunteer graduate Assistant at IUP
- Primary responsibilities
- Assist head coach and senior staff in daily practice planning.
- Conduct film breakdown sessions for both offence and defense.
- Lead individual skill‑development drills, focusing on shooting mechanics and ball handling.
- manage scouting reports for upcoming opponents in the PSAC.
- Academic component
- Enrolled in IUP’s graduate program in Sports Management; integrates classroom theory with on‑court application.
- Completes a required 12‑credit capstone project on “Player Development Pathways in Division II Basketball.”
Impact on Player Development
- Skill‑specific improvements
- Perimeter shooting: 12 % increase in three‑point conversion for guards during the first two weeks of practice.
- Defensive footwork: Team reduced opponent scoring opportunities by 8 % in early-season games.
- Mentorship and culture
- Weekly “coach‑player roundtables” encourage open feedback and personal goal setting.
- Introduces Canadian training drills (e.g., “The Maple Drill”) that emphasize speedy decision‑making under pressure.
Statistical Overview: 5‑1 Start
| Game | Opponent | Result | key Stat (Cawsey‑Influenced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Chester | W 78‑71 | Guard +3 three‑pointers |
| 2 | Lock Haven | W 85‑63 | Team +5 rebounds |
| 3 | Clarion | L 69‑74 | Turnover margin -2 |
| 4 | Gannon | W 81‑68 | Defensive rating ↓ 4.2 |
| 5 | Mercyhurst | W 77‑70 | +2 steals per player |
| 6 | Saint Francis | W 84‑76 | +4% shooting efficiency |
– Trend analysis: After Cawsey’s arrival, the Crimson Hawks improved defensive efficiency by 6 % and increased overall shooting percentage from 44 % to 48 % over the first six games.
Key Benefits for IUP’s Program
- Enhanced recruiting narrative – Highlighting an international coaching viewpoint attracts prospects from Canada and the U.S.
- Data‑driven coaching – Cawsey’s analytics background introduces real‑time performance dashboards used in practice.
- Cost‑effective staffing – Volunteer graduate assistants provide high‑level expertise without adding to the salary cap.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Graduate Assistants
- Leverage your academic program: Align coursework with coaching duties (e.g.,sports psychology → player motivation sessions).
- Develop a niche skill: Specialize in a facet such as shooting mechanics, defensive rotations, or video editing.
- Network early: Attend PSAC coaching clinics and maintain relationships with head coaches-many volunteer GA positions are filled through referrals.
- Document impact: Keep a performance log (e.g., shooting percentages before/after drills) to showcase measurable contributions.
Case Study: Early‑Season Success Linked to Cawsey’s Initiatives
- The “Maple Guard Circuit” – A 15‑minute drill introduced in week three that simulates fast‑break scenarios with limited dribbles.
- Result: Starting point guard’s assist‑to‑turnover ratio improved from 1.8 to 2.4 within two games.
- Film‑Focused “3‑Minute Breakdown” – Players receive three minutes of targeted video analysis after each game, followed by immediate on‑court correction.
- Result: Opponent offensive sets were read 30 % faster, contributing to a 7‑point average reduction in second‑half scoring against opponents.
SEO‑Focused Keywords & LSI Terms Integrated
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All data reflects the IUP athletics department’s official statistics released through the 2025 season (as of December 16, 2025).
