Introduction

In a significant move for the University of South Carolina (USC), Jeremiah Donati has been appointed as the 31st Director of Athletics. This announcement was made by President Michael Amiridis on December 5, following a meeting of the USC Board of Trustees.

Donati's Background and Achievements at TCU

Donati arrives at USC after a successful tenure as the Athletics Director at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he held the position since July 2017. Under his leadership, TCU’s athletics program flourished, securing an impressive eight national championships and 11 Big 12 Conference titles. Notably, TCU became the first Texas team to reach the College Football Playoffs, and its men’s basketball team has made appearances in the last three NCAA Tournaments. Additionally, TCU's baseball team achieved back-to-back Big 12 championships, even making it to the College World Series.

Statements from Donati

“I’m honored to join the University of South Carolina, a school with a rich history of athletic excellence and passionate fans,” Donati remarked. He expressed excitement about collaborating with coaches, student-athletes, and staff to elevate Gamecock Athletics, stating, “Our goal is to be a national leader in both competitive excellence and student-athlete experience. We will compete for championships while ensuring our student-athletes are supported in all aspects of their college careers.”

Experience and Contributions to TCU

Donati brings a wealth of experience in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. His achievements at TCU are particularly noteworthy, including record levels of donor support and significant enhancements to the student-athlete experience through nearly $500 million in facility upgrades. The latest undertaking includes a $50 million renovation and expansion of TCU’s Athletics Human Performance Center.

Historic Achievements During Donati's Tenure

During his time at TCU, the athletic program not only achieved excellence in competitions but also garnered record attendance figures for men's basketball and new heights in ticket and licensing revenues. In a groundbreaking season (2022-2023), TCU made history by becoming the first school in the College Football Playoff era to participate in the CFP, NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and College World Series within one academic year.

Successor and Transition

Donati succeeds Ray Tanner, who has been at the helm of USC athletics since 2012. Tanner will transition to a role as athletics director emeritus and senior advisor to the president.

Educational Background and Early Career

Before joining TCU, Donati held various positions in the realm of sports and athletics, including roles with Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment and several collegiate fundraising organizations. He earned his bachelor’s degree in politics and government from the University of Puget Sound, where he was also a student-athlete in basketball, and later obtained his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School.

Commitment to Student-Athlete Development

Donati is also an active member of various influential boards and committees, including the Big 12 Conference’s Athletics Directors Executive Committee. He is well-regarded for his commitment to student-athlete development, having helped establish the Tomlinson Student-Athlete Development Endowment Fund at TCU.

Future Aspirations at USC

As Donati embarks on his new journey with USC, the university looks forward to advancing its mission of developing student-athletes who excel not only in sports but also in their academic and personal lives. The Gamecocks athletic department, a proud member of the Southeastern Conference, boasts a history of nine team and 56 individual national championships.

Conclusion

With such a strong resume, all eyes will be on Donati as he steers Gamecock Athletics towards new heights! The anticipation is palpable—will he bring the same success to South Carolina as he did at TCU?