ESCANABA – Bay College Athletic Director Matt Johnson has announced the resignation of Todd Ciochetto as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach effective immediately.

“First off, I want to thank Todd for all he has done for Bay College, our women’s basketball program, and our basketball community.” Johnson said. “In his one season with Bay College, he changed the trajectory of the program. Winning 17 straight games, winning a share of the Conference title, and finishing the season as the #16 team in the NJCAA poll is nothing short of incredible. Winning the ‘right way’ has become a phrase that is overused in this business. However, Todd made sure that truly happened at Bay and so many across the community are better for it. He is a tireless worker who has devoted all he had to our program and the student-athletes he worked with. While I am sad to see Todd leave, I am committed to work to find a replacement that will continue to build on the foundation that Todd has set.”

Ciochetto was hired by Bay as the fourth head coach in program history in April of 2023. In his one season at Bay he led the Norse to a 22-9 overall record and a 13-1 conference weekend. The 2023-2024 season started slow for the Norse squad as they got out to a 5-7 start. Things came together in mid-December when they started a 17-game win streak that saw them sit atop the standings in the Northern Division of the MCCAA Conference. The final matchup of the regular season ended with a 90-55 loss at Mid Michigan, putting the Norse in a tie for the division title with the Lakers. Bay started off strong in the postseason, beating Grand Rapids in the Great Lakes District C Quarterfinal game by a score of 66-57. The season would end in the semifinal however, as Jackson College pulled off a 73-57 win to oust Bay from the tournament.

“While I step away from Bay College and coaching, I will pursue some aspirations I have had for some time,” Ciochetto said.  “I want to thank Dr. Hughes who is a transformational leader. I want to thank Matt Johnson for his leadership and friendship. I want thank Mike Pankow, Dan Porath, Scott Carhoun, John Garris and all the assistant coaches who make this the one of the best departments in the country. This Bay Women’s Basketball Team is special, and they are ready for a championship season. I love Bay College, the community, and the people. I will be your biggest fan.”

Bay College will begin an immediate national search for the position. Interested parties can apply at https://careers.baycollege.edu.