Sports Flash: Men's Basketball Coach Donates $50K to University

Stony Brook residents Steve Pikiell, who is heading into his eighth season as head coach of the men's basketball team at Stony Brook University, and his wife Kate have donated $50,000 to the university, athletic director Jim Fiore announced Thursday.

The gift is the largest gift ever made from an active Stony Brook athletics staff member. The men's basketball team is the beneficiary of half of the Pikiells' donation, while the other half will go the and will be matched by an anonymous donor.

Pikiell, who recently signed a contract extension through the 2016-17 season, said in a statement that the university means so much to his family.

"We love living in Stony Brook, love engaging with the Three Village Community and love being a part of Seawolves Athletics," he said. "As a University, we have come so far, so fast and we truly are headed towards even bigger and brighter successes; and I could not be more excited to be a part of it."

Fiore and Dr. Margaret McGovern, physician-in-chief of the children's hospital, both lauded the Pikiell family for its generosity.

“The children’s hospital and Stony Brook Athletics often have an opportunity to partner to raise awareness and funds to fight childhood diseases," McGovern said. "This gift from Coach Pikiell and his family was unexpected and we are grateful that when making this gift he thought of the smallest and most vulnerable patients here at Stony Brook."