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DURNIEN-AMATO RESIGNS POST AT CALDWELL

April 20, 2006

CALDWELL, NJ - Nicole Durnien-Amato has announced her resignation as assistant director of athletics and head women's basketball coach at Caldwell College, effective May 11, 2006. Durnien-Amato, who also served as the athletic department's Senior Women's Administrator, has been at Caldwell since 1999 and was the Cougars' women's basketball coach for six seasons, compiling a record of 91-79. She is leaving Caldwell College to pursue other opportunities.

"I am grateful to [Executive Director of Athletics] Mark Corino for welcoming me into the Caldwell College family seven years ago," Durnien-Amato said. "I've had a great opportunity to grow professionally and as a person, and I've worked with a lot of great people. I have many fond memories of so many things here, especially the student-athletes. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Caldwell College."

Durnien-Amato joined Caldwell's athletic department in the fall of 1999 as an assistant director of athletics and an assistant women's basketball coach. That season, the Cougars went 20-8 and advanced to the NAIA national tournament. When then-head coach Bob Costello decided to step down at the end of the 1999-2000 season, Durnien-Amato was named the head coach at the age of 23. She proceeded to guide the Cougars to three straight 20-win seasons, including a 21-9 mark in 2001-02 that culminated in Caldwell's third trip to the NAIA Tournament. The following year, the Cougars won the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament and finished with a record of 21-8.

Along with her accomplishments on the court, Durnien-Amato played an important role in Caldwell's transition to NCAA Division II status, serving as the school's first Senior Women's Administrator and developing the College's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Under Durnien-Amato's guidance, the SAAC raised funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation in its first year of existence.

A 1999 graduate of Villanova University, Durnien-Amato served as an assistant basketball coach at Rosemont (Pa.) College during her senior year. She also attended Rowan (N.J.) College from 1995 to 1997, participating in basketball and track and field.

"Nicole's commitment, dedication and loyalty to the athletic department and the women's basketball program over seven years has been outstanding and appreciated," Corino said. "Her accomplishments as well as her willingness to be a team player working for the benefit of the College have been key ingredients in the success and continued growth of the department. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her well in her future endeavors."

Caldwell College will conduct a national search for Durnien-Amato's replacement immediately.