Siena University Athletics

Evan Franz, an 18-year-old from nearby Brunswick, New York who battled brain cancer, was officially introduced as the newest member of the Siena Men's Basketball family as an honorary team member on Nov. 11, 2021. Evan passed away on Jan. 23, 2023 following a courageous nearly three-year long battle. 
 
“Evan is a resilient and strong young man who personifies how we live here at Siena,” said head coach Carmen Maciariello when Franz joined the program. “He is enthusiastic about life, and appreciative of all his blessings. His toughness speaks for itself with his ongoing battle. We are thankful he’s a part of our family.”
 
Maciariello and the Saints first met Evan through Play It Foreward 518, a local non-profit organization run by former team manager Joe Watroba ‘13 and his family, which raises money and awareness to support local children and their families facing illness and hardship. At Siena Men’s Basketball home games each year the Saints, in conjunction with Play It Foreward 518, welcome a patient from the Melodies Center to serve as an honorary captain. Evan previously served as an honorary captain through the program, and the Saints surprised him at his birthday party. An avid Siena Basketball fan, Evan has continued to attend games as well as many team practices.
 
Evan was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme in May 2019 which required immediate brain surgery. The location of his tumor impacted his speech and mobility, and the right side of his body no longer functioned properly. Evan spent two weeks at the Albany Medical Center, before being transferred to Sunnyview Rehabilitation where he received speech, occupational, and physical therapy five times per week, learning how to walk and talk again while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation all at the same time.

Evan was a fixture on the Siena Basketball sidelines, in the locker room, and at team practices during his time with the program where he continued to vociferously cheer on his Saints.