JOLIET, Ill. -- A successful five-year run as the head coach of the University of St. Francis women's basketball program has come to an end for John McGinty, who has stepped down from the position.

McGinty took over the head coaching responsibilities in the fall of 2021 and put together an impressive 110-45 record over the next five years.  The victory total tops the list of 14 head coaches in the 51-year history of the program, while his .710 winning percentage ranks second all-time.

"John took the keys to the program five years ago and continued the long-standing success that it has seen both on and off the court," said USF director of athletics Dave Laketa.  "For that, we are most grateful.

"We will certainly miss the passion and work ethic that John brought to the court each and every day, but wish him and his family nothing but success moving forward."  

A two-time Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year, McGinty guided his first team – the 2021-22 squad – to the program's third Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament title and seventh NAIA postseason appearance with a berth in the NAIA National Tournament.  The Saints advanced to the second round of the Sioux City Bracket that spring before concluding their season at 27-7, with that campaign ranking as the fourth-best all-time from both a win-total and winning-percentage standpoint.

A pair of seasons totaling 33 wins followed in 2022-23 and 2023-24 before back-to-back 25-win campaigns each of the past two winters returned St. Francis to the NAIA National Tournament stage.  USF advanced to the second round of the Sioux Center Bracket in 2024-25, while his 2025-26 squad achieved its highest-ever ranking in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll (No. 15) under McGinty's guidance.

In his five years leading the program, McGinty mentored three NAIA All-Americans, two CCAC Players of the Year, one all-freshman league honoree, 16 all-conference performers, 16 CCAC player of the week recipients and five 1,000-point scorers.

A search for McGinty's successor will begin immediately.