Davis & Elkins College Director of Athletics Patrick Snively named former University of South Carolina standout athlete Donna Carr as the next head coach of the Davis & Elkins women’s basketball team. Carr comes to D&E from Hillsborough Community College (HCC) in Tampa, Florida, where she was the assistant women’s basketball coach for two seasons.
“Coach Carr is exactly the candidate we were searching for as our new head coach for women’s basketball,” said President Chris A. Wood. “We are confident she will both increase the competitiveness of the program and create a nurturing environment for the success of these student-athletes in the classroom and all aspects of their collegiate experience. We celebrate having someone of Coach Carr’s background and caliber join our program, and we look forward to the positive results that are certain to follow.”
Carr brings deep experience in recruiting and building success in a program, as she spearheaded the recruiting class that helped HCC return to back-to-back appearances in the state playoffs, as well as a passion for the student athlete experience. In her new role at D&E, Carr will run all facets of the women’s basketball program, including recruiting, fundraising, game management and strategy.
“I cannot wait to get to work. I am truly honored and excited about the future of the D&E women’s basketball program,” Carr said. “The vision and support of the athletic programs and its student-athletes were perfectly aligned with my personal values and goals, so I knew that it was the right place for me. I’m looking forward to continuing to build a successful program and meeting the competitive nature of the MEC conference. Thank you to the search committee for trusting in me to be the next head women’s basketball coach.”
Coach Carr has over 12 years of experience working with marketing, strategic planning and coaching various AAU programs in the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, as well as coaching the girls basketball program at Wharton High School (Tampa, Florida), and one season with Division II Saint Leo University prior to joining Hillsborough CC for the past two seasons.
Carr’s collegiate career began at the University of South Carolina where she was a three-year starter and letterman as a small forward for the Lady Gamecocks. She completed her college career at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, graduating with academic honors with a BA in sociology and athletic honors as Conference and Tournament MVP, leading the Lady Indians to the Conference Championship and an Elite 8 Division II appearance.
Following her collegiate career, Coach Carr played internationally for the professional team in Jyvaskyla and Helsinki, Finland.
“We are excited to have Donna Carr take over leadership of the Women’s Basketball program,” said D&E Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Jennifer Riggleman. “Donna’s extensive background as a player, diverse experiences as a coach energetic personality, and compassionate disposition will create a positive environment for the women’s program to head in a successful direction.”
The Senators Women’s Basketball team opens their season Nov. 11 at the PSAC/MEC/CIAA Challenge in Indiana, Pennsylvania, competing against Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Donna Carr
