Griffins Bid Farewell to Long-time Leader, Head Coach John Baron
It is with great gratitude and respect that the Gwynedd Mercy University Athletics bids farewell to Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Baron. “It’s hard to put into words what Coach John Baron has meant to Gwynedd Mercy University and to me personally over the past 23 years” said Gwynedd Mercy University Director of Athletics Keith Mondillo. “John has been more than a colleague—he’s been a close friend and a part of my extended family. Our children grew up together, and our families have shared a bond that goes far beyond basketball. His impact on our men’s basketball program, our student-athletes, and the University community has been profound. While it’s bittersweet to see him go, I’m genuinely excited for his next chapter at Holy Family. They’re gaining not only a tremendous coach but an even better person. I’m grateful for the years we’ve shared and wish him nothing but success.” The long-time leader of the Gwynedd Mercy University’s men’s basketball program recently accepted a head coaching position with local National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution, Holy Family University.
Coach Baron took the reins of the Gwynedd Mercy University men's basketball program prior to the start of the 2002-2003 season. Over the next 23 years he mentored countless young men to be Griffins; leaders on the court, in the classroom, and in their communities. Among them were over 45 all-conference performers, seven all-region selections, a two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All-American, as well as 20 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court players.
Under Coach Baron’s direction, the Griffins became a local and regional NCAA Division III powerhouse. A 409-198 (.674) overall record and 256-94 (.731) league record qualified his team’s for conference playoffs in all 23 seasons. Among them, the Red and Gold enjoyed 11 20-win seasons, six conference championships, 10 conference championship appearances, six NCAA DIII Championship Tournament appearances, four NCAA DIII Championship Tournament wins, an Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championship, and numerous regional and national rankings. He recorded his 400th career win with an 84-83 victory over Immaculata University on January 11, 2025, and earned his 300th win with an 86-77 victory over Penn State Harrisburg (Widener University Tournament) on November 16th, 2018.
A great team builder, Coach Baron invests in his student-athletes. The Griffins took several preseason trips to Costa Rica during his tenure, providing his teams the opportunity to develop their coordination, communication, and relationships. Off the court, Coach Baron’s program regularly participated community service projects, operated youth summer camps, and supported causes close to their heart like the Breathing Room Foundation and PanCAN PurpleStride.
Coach Baron received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from York College in 1995 and his master's degree in education, curriculum, and instruction at Penn State University in 2004. He began his coaching career in 1996 at Owen J. Roberts High School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. In 1999, He entered the collegiate coaching circuit as an assistant at Ursinus College. The following year in 2000, he became an assistant Gwynedd Mercy University (then College) before being named the head coach in 2002. He also functioned as the University’s athletic academic coordinator.