NIACC's Ciochetto leaves for Seward County

LIBERAL, Kan. - NIACC women's basketball coach Todd Ciochetto has been hired as the head coach at Seward County Community College.

Seward County CC athletic director Dan Artamenko announced Thursday that Ciochetto will replace Austin Mefford, who was 55-11 in two seasons at Seward CC. Mefford accepted a head coaching position at New Mexico Junior College.

Ciochetto compiled a record of 153-46 in six seasons as head coach of the Lady Trojans, including three NJCAA Region XI titles.

"First off, I want to say thank you to NIACC and all of North Iowa for 9 great years." Ciochetto said in a Seward County CC release. "Seward County is one of the few jobs that excited me.

"The tradition, the support of the administration, staff, and community is second to none. I am humbled and excited to be a part of the Liberal community and Seward County."

This past season, Ciochetto led NIACC to a 32-1 record, NJCAA Region XI title and a number one seed at the NJCAA Division II national tournament. Ciochetto was honored as the NJCAA Division II national coach of the year by both the NJCAA and World Exposure Report.

Before being the head coach at NIACC, Ciochetto spent three seasons as an assistant coach under Kelli Greenway.

The Lady Saints have been to the NJCAA Division I national tournament five out of the last six years and has claimed the Jayhawk West Conference regular-season title three out of the previous four years.

"Coach Ciochetto has been very successful in the NJCAA, winning multiple region titles and being named coach of the year by multiple entities," Artamenko said. "Todd brings a great culture with a high level of achievement. We are excited about the future with Todd and look forward to continued success for the Lady Saints."