Donley Selected as 50 Impactful JUCO Coach

The Daytona State Men's Basketball assistant coach, Chad Donley, has been selected as on of the 50 Impactful JUCO coaches in the country by Silver Waves Media. The article highlights coaches and their contributions to their programs, peers, and student-athletes. "It's a testament to Chad and his hard work and loyalty throughout the years. He has played on the biggest stage and has also coached under great leaders. I am thrilled for Chad" stated McCann.

Donley, a native of Baker, FL, has enjoyed a prosperous career playing and coaching basketball. Out of high school, he signed a scholarship to play for the local Junior College, Northwest Florida State. After redshirting his first year, he stepped into a starting role on a team that reached a #1 ranking and won 32 games that year. The Raiders won the Panhandle Championship, Region 8 Championship, and were National Champion Runner-Ups.

After his time in JUCO, Donley went on to Liberty University where the Flames captured their first Big South Title in 20 years. The Flames went on to compete in the NCAA Tournament in the First Four in Dayton, OH. "It was a surreal experience. I grew up watching the tournament every single year, and to be a part of such a great event was humbling" said Donley.  

His coach at Northwest Florida State was offered the East Tennessee State head coaching position and offered Donley a job as his graduate assistant. "I honestly think that he got tired of me calling him and his staff every day asking for a job." The persistence paid off as Donley was hired in Coach Forbes' inaugural year at ETSU. During his time at ETSU, the Bucs won 51 games and appeared in two SOCON championship games and winning the title in 2017 to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament where the Bucs took on the Florida Gators.

Coming off of cloud nine with his second NCAA Tournament experience, Donley ventured into a full-time coaching position at Pensacola State. The Pirates went 17-12 in his lone season in Pensacola. The Pirates were the first team in the country to beat Donley's undefeated alma mater, Northwest Florida State.

At the end of the Pirates season, Donley was offered an assistant coaching spot at Daytona State where he currently resides and continues to pave his way through the coaching ranks. "Honestly, I have been extremely lucky. To have the opportunity to learn and develop from some of the best people in this business. I have been very fortunate."

When asked about what he enjoys most about coaching, Donley explained "It's mostly about hopefully having an impact to help someone achieve their dreams. Coming from a one stop light town, not many people played collegiate sports. I was lucky to have gotten a shot. Now, its my time to pay it forward to the next generation in any way that I can."