ERIE, Pa. – Following a campaign that saw both Golden Knight programs capture conference titles, produce award-winning student-athletes, and stamp their names among the region's elite, men's and women's head golf coach Scott Stano has been selected as the 2024-25 Gannon Athletics Coach of the Year.
Stano was selected through a vote by Gannon's head coaches. The award is sponsored by U Pick 6 and owner John Melody and includes a $1,500 stipend toward a professional development opportunity.
A staple in the Gannon coaching ranks for more than a decade, Stano completed his tenth season as the women's golf head coach in 2024-25 and first as the head men's golf coach. His success with both teams etched his name in Gannon and PSAC history with feats that had never been accomplished within the program and conference.
"What a wonderful honor to be recognized by such an exceptional group of coaches" said Stano. "I truly believe we have the best coaching staff and administrators in Division II. Everyone puts so much heart into everything they do. I'm very proud of all that our men's and women's golf teams accomplished this year. They're a remarkable group, and I'm grateful every day to be part of it. Go Knights!"
A Historic Sweep in the PSAC
Earlier this year, Stano accomplished a feat no coach in PSAC history had ever achieved: he became the first coach to sweep the PSAC Men's and Women's Golf Coach of the Year awards in the same season.
The milestone was fitting for a year marked by dual excellence. Both teams surged through the conference championships—and both finished as PSAC team champions. For the women, it was their sixth straight PSAC title, earning the win by 20 shots. In the process, senior Ditte Petersen (Dianalund, Denmark/Sorø Akademi Skole) became the first women's golfer to finish as the medalist in three straight PSAC Championships. Meanwhile, the men captured their first ever conference title behind incredibly consistent team play. Gannon grabbed the lead early in the first round and only increased its lead from that point before finishing with a 40-stroke victory among a nine-team field. In addition, Gannon sophomore Mattia Parrini (Verolengo, Italy/Verolengo) won the individual title with a 54-hole total of 8-under-par 208, and teammate Giovanni Delorenzi (Reggio Emilia, Italy/International School of Modena) placed second with a 3-under 213 score.
Team Dominance, Individual Greatness
Stano's leadership extended far beyond championship moments. The development of individuals across both rosters showcased his impact at every level.
Four men and four women earned All-PSAC honors, solidifying both teams as conference powerhouses. Senior standout Ditte Petersen (Dianalund, Denmark/Sorø Akademi Skole) was named PSAC Athlete of the Year, cementing herself as one of the region's brightest stars under Stano's guidance. Alex Lecureux earned PSAC Freshman of the Year. On the men's side, Mattia Parrini (Verolengo, Italy/Verolengo) was named Athlete of the Year and was one of three men's golfers to earn first team all-conference.
On the National Stage
The Gannon men's program amplified its history-making season with a run beyond the conference. After claiming a share of the Atlantic/East Regional title, the Golden Knights advanced to the 2025 NCAA Championships, ultimately finishing 16th in the nation. Rasmus Seppanen (Bastad, Sweden/Akademi Bastad Gymnasium) concluded an outstanding season for the Golden Knights barely missing All-American honors. The redshirt sophomore from Sweden ended with a 54-hole total of 2-under par 214. He finished in a tied for 11th, with the top ten golfers and ties earning All-American honors.
The women's program continued its ascent as well, placing 13th in the region. Alexandria LeCureux (Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston) posted Gannon's best round of the tournament as the freshman fired a 1-over par 73. She would end up finishing in a tie for 52nd overall with a 241 total, 25-over par. LeCureux jumped up 31 spots on the final day while matching her lowest round of the season.
