He replaces the only coach in the program's five-year history, John Preziosa, who stepped down last month for personal reasons after a 2-5 start. Athletic director Diana Cutaia guided the Wildcats (3-7) the last three games before the semester break.
"I wanted to be a head coach, but a head coach at a place I believed in," said LeVangie, a Scituate native who played for his father, John, at Westwood High, before a four-year collegiate career playing the point at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, Va.
"After meeting the people over here, it was a job I really wanted, it was the right opportunity."
He loves the campus setting, situated along the Riverway in Boston, believing it will be an easy sell for recruits that want to play D3 ball in the New England Collegiate Conference.
And he came away more convinced after his first practice session. "I was blown away with [the players'] ability to listen, and compete," he said. "Just great character. This school is on the rise."
LeVangie, a special education teacher in the Framingham school system, started his coaching career as an assistant at Suffolk in 2002 before returning to his alma mater, Mary Washington, as associate head coach for two seasons, followed by another two in the same capacity at Lasell for three years before joining McLaughlin's staff at Division 2 Stonehill.
"His effectiveness in terms of on the floor coaching, scouting, and recruiting will be a loss for our program," said McLaughlin. "He has the skill set to hold his new players accountable both on and off the floor, yet be someone who will allow and help them to grow as young men during their respective college careers."
LeVangie's brother, Jack, the PA announcer at nearby Emmanuel (as well as an assistant at Westwood High), saw the potential at Wheelock. "He pushed me, he said the team was very good," said LeVangie.
"I've wanted to coach since I could walk, when my father was the head coach at BC High."
John LeVangie is currently having a very successful run as the girls' coach at Cohasset High.
Now his son has a well deserved shot with his own program. "It's a unique situation, taking over at midseason, but this is the perfect fit," he said.
