Hazleton Welcomes Paul Appel as Head Coach of Lady Lions Basketball

Hazleton Welcomes Paul Appel as Head Coach of Lady Lions Basketball
July 9, 2015

Hazleton, PA - On Thursday, the Lady Lions women's basketball program welcomed its newest addition in the form of head coach Paul Appel. Appel assumes the helm of a successful program from head coach Cy Fulton who retired in April of 2015. The Lady Lions have reached the postseason in three onsecutive seasons including a runner up finish in the Penn State University Athletic Conference and a bid to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Tournament in 2015. 

 "We are thrilled to add Paul to the athletics staff here at the campus," says director of athletics Ryan Ehrie. "We expect Paul to have great success with the team. His focus on fundamental basketball, track record of winning and vision for the program bodes well for the future of Lady Lions basketball at Hazleton."

 The appointment marks Appel's first venture into the collegiate ranks, bringing a wealth of experience from the high school level. From 2001 to 2006, Appel guided the women's varsity squad at Bishop O'Rielly High School to prominence, earning three PIAA District 2 Class "A" championships from 2004 to 2006. Paul went on to coach the Wyoming Valley West women's team in 2012 where he led his players to runner up finishes during District 2 "AAAA" playoff appearances in 2013 and 2014. In ten years of coaching at the high school level Paul accumulated 148 wins and a career winning percentage of .701.

 "I'm very excited for the opportunity to be a part of Lady Lions basketball," said Appel. "I look forward to the challenge of coaching at the collegiate level and can't wait to begin working with the athletes. With hard work and dedication, we can build on the current success of the program and take the next step towards earning a championship."

 The Lady Lions return five players from their 2014-15 squad including starting guard Stephanie Guevara (North Brunswick, NJ) and three time USCAA All-American and 2015 PSUAC Player of the Year, Alexis Daly (Wyomissing, PA). The 2015-16 season tips off on November 5, when the Lady Lions travel to Luzerne County Community College for a non-conference matchup.