STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Wagner College men's basketball head coach Donald Copeland has announced three additions to his staff ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Chad Gayle will join the Seahawks as an assistant coach while Declan McQueeney has been named Director of Player Development and Lucas Cotronakis has been named Director of Basketball Operations.

"I'm excited to add Chad, Declan, and Lucas to our staff," said Copeland. "All three are hungry, hardworking, and committed, and each brings valuable high-level experience that will help our program continue to grow."

Chad Gayle – Assistant Coach

Before arriving on Grymes Hill, Gayle spent two seasons as a Graduate Assistant at Seton Hall University. In that role, he was instrumental in player development, film breakdown, and scouting, while also managing recruiting databases and coordinating daily operations. He played a key part in the development of All-Big East First Team selection Kadary Richmond and Big East All-Freshman honoree Isaiah Coleman. Gayle also worked closely with Al-Amir Dawes, the 2024 NIT Most Outstanding Player, and Dre Davis, a member of the All-Tournament Team, as Seton Hall captured the 2024 NIT Championship.

Prior to Seton Hall, Gayle served as Associate Head Coach at Georgian Court University, where he oversaw recruiting, film analysis, and offensive systems.

A 2016 graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, Gayle went on to earn his MBA in Sports Management from Seton Hall in 2025. He holds memberships in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), the Black Coaches Association (BCA), and the Rising Coaches Community.

Declan McQueeney – Director of Player Development

Prior to joining Wagner, McQueeney spent three seasons as a student manager with the St. Bonaventure women's basketball program, assisting with practices, scouting, game preparation, and equipment management. He also gained experience as an intern with St. Bonaventure's Strength and Conditioning staff, helping design and implement workouts for the men's and women's rugby programs as well as men's hockey.

Most recently, McQueeney served as Assistant Director of the Pocono Invitational Basketball Camp in Stroudsburg, Pa., where he oversaw daily operations for up to 250 athletes ages 9–17. In that role, he was responsible for hiring and supervising coaches, creating schedules, conducting skill workouts, and leading player development initiatives.

A native of Netcong, N.J., McQueeney graduated from St. Bonaventure University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Studies, concentrating in Coaching and Human Performance.

Lucas Cotronakis – Director of Basketball Operations

Cotronakis arrives on Grymes Hill after serving as Head Manager for the Seton Hall University men's basketball program. In that position, he supervised a staff of 12 managers and oversaw day-to-day operations, including game-day preparations, practices, workouts, and player development. He also contributed in scouting, statistical charting, and video editing.

He began with the Pirates as a Student Manager in 2021, supporting equipment, practice, and travel operations while gaining extensive experience in film editing through Synergy Sports. Cotronakis also worked instructional roles at Florida Atlantic University's Dusty May Basketball Camp and Marquette University's Shaka Smart Basketball Camp, collaborating directly with Division I athletes and staff.

Cotronakis graduated from Seton Hall University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.