Cardinal Stritch University Women's Basketball

Pfaffl was a recognizable fixture with Stritch athletics, serving in various roles since 1989.   Pfaffls coaching record includes stellar marks of 158-43 overall, 83-18 in the CCAC and 65-9 at home. He has twice been named CCAC Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2012.   During 2015-16, Pfaffl led the Wolves to a 25-8 record. The Wolves were ranked as high as No.6 in the national polls and ended the season as a top 15 team in NAIA. It marked the 15th consecutive year that Stritch qualified for the national tournament.   The 2014 season was a memorable one, as Pfaffl guided Stritch to the NAIA Division II Final Four for the first time in school history. The Wolves finished 27-7, including an 18-game win streak. At the national tournament, Stritch defeated Saint Ambrose University, Jamestown College and Morningside College before falling to No. 1 University of St. Francis. During the 2012 season, Pfaffl led the Wolves to a 27-7 record (11-1 CCAC). Stritch experienced its greatest success during a 15-game win streak. The Wolves were CCAC regular-season champions and CCAC Tournament champions. Pfaffls coaching roots began at the youth level before moving up to the high school ranks in 1989, when he began coaching football at Milwaukee Pius XI and girls basketball at St. Marys Academy. He eventually became an assistant coach for Rich Panella at Stritch. In 1994, Pfaffl was hired as the Sports Information Director, assistant mens and womens basketball coach, and head mens and womens cross country coach. He also worked as an adjunct instructor, teaching physical education, as well as, sport management courses. After 15 years in those roles, Pfaffl stepped down to become the Director of Recreation, Intramurals and Facilities at Stritch. In the unique position serving as an assistant coach for both the mens and womens basketball teams under two Hall of Fame coaches, Pfaffl was involved in two very successful programs. During his tenure with the womens team, the Wolves posted a .809 winning percentage (.884 in conference play), won 16 regular-season titles and advanced to the NAIA Division II Tournament 14 times. The mens team claimed a .688 winning percentage (.706 in conference play), won six regular-season titles and advanced to the NAIA Division II Tournament six times. He took over the women's basketball program from Panella in 2010. Pfaffl refers to Panella as one of the main influences in his life who molded him into the person he is today. A Milwaukee native, Pfaffl has been heavily involved in athletics. He competed in football, basketball, and track and field at Milwaukee Pius XI High School, and was also a member of the Lawrence University football program before transferring to UW-Milwaukee. Besides his coaching duties at Stritch, Pfaffl maintains a busy schedule by holding summer basketball camps and directing the Rising Force Basketball Academy, which offers developmental opportunities for girls in grades 3-12 in southeastern Wisconsin. Pfaffl founded the Cardinal Stritch University Women's College Summer Basketball League and has directed the program for the past 17 years. Pfaffl holds a bachelors degree in health science and a masters in sport management. He and his wife, Janice, reside in Fox Point with their daughters, Sofia and Karli.