June 25, 2007

Loudonville, N.Y. - Ellen Howe has been appointed head women's water polo coach at Siena College after serving as interim head coach for the remainder of last season upon Rob Swingle's resignation. Head swimming and diving coach Greg Brown will assist Howe in addition to his other coaching responsibilities.

Howe inherited Siena's winningest water polo team in program history in early April after serving as an assistant for two seasons. She tallied her first collegiate win on April 14 with an 8-7 victory over league rival St. Francis (NY).

Howe began her water polo career with her high school club team in San Diego where she was named a California Interscholastic Federation selection at the conclusion of her senior year. In 2001, Howe served as a member of the Junior Olympic 18 & under championship team.

She earned four varsity letters from Villanova University and was an All-MAAC selection in as many years. Additionally, Howe was a three time MAAC All-Academic team recipient. In 2004, she was named the team's co-MVP. Howe left Villanova as the program's all-time assist leader and ranks second in total points (goals and assists).

Howe began her coaching career in 2003 when she worked with age group athletes through the Greater Philly Water Polo club. Then in 2004, she served as head coach at Friends' Central School in Philadelphia, Pa.

Last season, Howe helped guide the Saints to the most wins in program history.

Brown enters his second season as head swimming & diving coach, and first as an assistant water polo coach. Brown, a graduate of Lycoming College in 2002, was a four-year letter winner in water polo and swimming.

Brown, a four year starting goaltender, helped lead Lycoming to three Division III National Tournaments (1999, 2000, 2001). In 2001, Brown served as the team captain and helped Lycoming to a seventh place finish in the National Tournament marking the highest in program history. Brown holds the all-time saves and wins record at Lycoming.