College basketball has been part of Pat Skerry’s life since his playing days at Tufts University, where he set the school records for career and single-season assists.
Former Star Player Turned Coach
The Medford, Massachusetts native immediately stayed in the game, joining his alma mater’s staff after graduation. His early experience on the Tufts bench sparked a coaching career that has now spanned three decades.
In 1995, Skerry landed his first assistant coaching job at Stonehill, beginning a long journey that took him through several programs before he finally earned the opportunity to lead Towson University. Since taking over, he has transformed the Tigers into one of the most consistent programs in the Coastal Athletic Association, guiding them to three straight 20-win seasons.
Still Seeking the Big One
While Towson has yet to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance under Skerry, it has not been for lack of success. The Tigers have captured two CAA regular-season titles in the past four years, only to fall short in the conference tournament each time. Those setbacks have become part of the foundation for a program on the verge of breaking through, and many believe that 2025-26 could finally be their year. Towson enters the season as the coaches’ preseason favorite, ranked ahead of Charleston, UNC Wilmington, Hofstra, and Delaware.
Skerry’s leadership has earned widespread respect. He was named the Skip Prosser Man of the Year in 2023 for his integrity and impact on and off the court. He’s also been recognized as CAA Coach of the Year twice, most recently in 2024 after leading Towson through another strong campaign.
His journey hasn’t been easy. When Skerry arrived at Towson, the program was at rock bottom, finishing 1-31 in his first season. Remarkably, he turned things around immediately, guiding the Tigers to a second-place conference finish in his second year. His tenure has since become a model of resilience and steady improvement.
Towson Ready for the Challenge
Towson opens the 2025-26 season on Monday, November 3, at Loyola. The second game will be a major test as the Tigers hit the road to face the defending national runner-up, the Houston Cougars. The home opener follows on November 11 against Wilson College at SECU Arena, while a December 16 trip to Lawrence to face Kansas at Phog Allen Fieldhouse will serve as one of their marquee non-conference matchups.
Skerry has built a culture of toughness, accountability, and belief at Towson. After years of knocking on the door, the Tigers may finally be ready to push through to the NCAA Tournament and secure the moment their coach has worked a lifetime to achieve.