Ed Galvin enjoyed a distinguished 50-year basketball career, beginning as a standout player at St. Philip High School in Chicago, where he earned All-Catholic League honors and All-Star recognition in his senior year. At Loyola University, he excelled as a versatile player known for his speed, rebounding, and ball-handling, serving as team MVP and captain in his junior and senior seasons. Averaging 20 points and 17 rebounds per game as a senior, he ranked nationally in scoring and rebounding and set a school record for rebounds in a single game.

After college and military service, Galvin returned to Chicago basketball as a coach, beginning at St. Philip before joining St. Rita, where he served as Athletic Director and Head Coach. At St. Rita, his teams won numerous championships, including 7 South Section titles, 6 Brother Rice Round Robin titles, and 3 Catholic League titles. He later led Fenwick to unprecedented success, including back-to-back-to-back Catholic League Tournament championships from 1970-72, a feat unmatched in 34 years of league history. His 1975 team advanced to the state tournament’s sectional finals, and his peers named him Outstanding Coach in the Catholic League for all sports in 1971.

Galvin continued coaching at Fenwick through 1980, later serving as head coach and Athletic Director at Rosary College and North Central College before finishing his career at the Illinois Math and Science Academy. Renowned for his coaching achievements, he left a lasting impact on Chicago basketball and the many athletes he guided.