For the past 26 years and 25 seasons, Joseph Cocozello has served as one of the beating hearts behind St. Joseph’s University, New York’s athletic program on the Brooklyn Campus. From playing as a student-athlete to working as assistant coach to taking on the head coaching position, Coach Cocozello has lived and breathed SJNY basketball since first stepping on its court over three decades ago. Now retired from the program, he reflects on the institution that made him into the man he is today.
OnCampus: What first brought you to St. Joseph’s as a student?
Cocozello: I played high school basketball for St. Peter’s in Staten Island, and I wanted to play in college. My best friend growing up was getting recruited by St. Joseph’s. My parents drove me to the school in the summer of ’91. We were shown around the school and I met Father Sullivan and I told him I’m going to come back. Two weeks later, I came back, sat with S. Margaret Buckley ’55, CSJ, and we put a schedule together. To me, the four years I played at St. Joseph’s were the best. If I could do anything in life over again, it would be to play those four seasons again.
OnCampus: How did it feel to transition from being a student playing basketball for St. Joseph’s to becoming its coach?
Cocozello: When I first graduated, I didn’t know I was going to coach. I was offered a freshman coaching job at Tottenville high school. Soon after, Charlie Driscoll, my JV coach from St. Peter’s offered me a position to be his assistant. Then, I was offered the job at St. Joseph’s. It was at the college level so I said let me try it. Having coached for just three years when I got there, I knew I still had a ton to learn. I always took a lot of pride in the fact that I went there and also that it was St. Joseph’s. I’m a Catholic school student through and through. I was coaching at St. Joseph’s College. That always meant more to me than if I was coaching somewhere else.
OnCampus: What has been your proudest moment as coach of the men’s basketball team?
Cocozello: Most people would usually bring it back to the wins and losses. But for me, it’s not one specific moment, but rather it’s really the relationship with the guys. That’s more important than any win. To see the success of our guys, on the court, in the classroom, and then in life. To see them become dads. These kids now are like my sons. That’s really my proudest moment.
OnCampus: What mindset do you believe every coach should impart on
their players?
Cocozello: When I first came in, I was pretty hardnosed. My mindset was win at all costs while doing things the right way. Represent the school with dignity because that’s what it’s about. Working in practice and pushing these guys; they benefit from that. I think kids today still need that structure, but it’s just a different world.
OnCampus: In what ways did St. Joseph’s support you as a student and as a coach?
Cocozello: I always felt that I had 100% support from the school. From the time I was coaching, S. Elizabeth A. Hill, CSJ, could not have been any more supportive. I might be the only person who has worked with every athletic director the Brooklyn Campus has had. Sherri Van Arnam hired me and put her faith in me. I’ll forever be grateful for that. Frank Carbone, James Lally, Margaret Alaimo, and Megan Valentine. I’m one to utilize resources so I went to the administration regularly, even if it was just to get their opinion on something. I don’t think there’s anybody in my years at St. Joseph’s who didn’t support me and us in every way possible.
OnCampus: What changes have you observed have you most excited for the future of St. Joseph’s Basketball?
Cocozello: Our coaches Sebastien Etheart and Chris Tracy. Between the two of them, they have so much energy and enthusiasm and love for the game. They recruited two of our most efficient players from this past season. They’re determined. They’re going to learn the game as they go along. There’s nothing I want more than for them to stay because I truly believe they can bring our program to heights that it hasn’t seen before. I think they could turn us into a contender each and every year.
OnCampus: If there’s a piece of advice you would give to a first-year student joining the team, what would it be?
Cocozello: It’s always academics first. There’s going to be a day when that ball doesn’t bounce for you anymore. Basketball is going to be over. You need the education. If you’re not going to prioritize your academics, then basketball means nothing. From a basketball perspective, enjoy every day. Treat every day like it’s your last because it goes by fast.
OnCampus: What has been your favorite thing to do since retiring?
Cocozello: I went to a lot of high school games on Staten Island this year. It’s been a lot of fun. As a coach, you prepare for practice, you execute the practice and you live and die with each game. Going to the high school games is great. You don’t care what the ref calls or what the coach is doing offensively or defensively. You just watch the kids play, have a good time, and when the game is over, put your hat on and go home.
OnCampus: Is there anything you want people to know about your time at St. Joseph’s?
Cocozello: We fostered an environment of love. Perhaps unique among college men, there was always a love for one another and for achieving our united goal. Of course giving our all to win, but more importantly, to represent our school and our program with pride and dignity both on and off the court. Second, for 26 years, our staff was almost exclusively alumni. We all wanted to be there because of our love for the school, the program and one another. We are St. Joseph’s, and we were proud to represent St. Joseph’s.
Coach Joseph Cocozello ’95 was honored by family, friends and former players during this year’s SJNY alumni day basketball game.
