Live Feed Update: South Carolina Athletics Welcomes Jeremiah Donati as New A.D.
The University of South Carolina Athletics Department officially ushers in a new era today, naming Jeremiah Donati as its 31st Director of Athletics. Donati steps into the role following the transformative tenure of Ray Tanner, who has been a cornerstone of Gamecock athletics for over two decades.
Ray Tanner Reflects on His Legacy
Ray Tanner, who led Carolina’s baseball team for 16 seasons before transitioning to Director of Athletics, shared heartfelt reflections with Gamecock fans on Monday. In a letter posted on Twitter, Tanner recounted his journey and expressed confidence in his successor, Donati.
“Since arriving in Columbia in 1997, I’ve had the privilege to witness and contribute to some of the most remarkable moments in Gamecock history,” Tanner wrote.
Under his stewardship, South Carolina Athletics has flourished. As head baseball coach, Tanner delivered back-to-back national championships, solidifying his legacy. Later, as Athletics Director, he oversaw monumental successes, including three national titles for Dawn Staley’s women’s basketball program and a 2014 national championship for the USC equestrian team. Tanner also spearheaded significant upgrades to USC’s athletic facilities and navigated challenges, such as the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
As he steps down, Tanner assumes a new role as Athletics Director Emeritus and Senior Advisor to the President, focusing on fundraising and community engagement.
Jeremiah Donati Takes the Helm
The University’s Board of Trustees announced in December that Jeremiah Donati would succeed Tanner as Director of Athletics. Donati comes to South Carolina with a stellar track record, having served as Athletics Director at Texas Christian University (TCU) since 2017. At TCU, he achieved remarkable milestones, including:
- Eight national championships and 11 Big 12 Conference titles.
- TCU becoming the first Texas team to appear in the College Football Playoffs.
- Consecutive Big 12 championships for TCU’s baseball team and a College World Series appearance.
- Three NCAA Tournament appearances for the men’s basketball team.
South Carolina now looks to Donati to continue building on its proud traditions and drive the Gamecock Athletics program to even greater heights.
A New Chapter Begins
As Jeremiah Donati officially assumes his position today, the South Carolina Athletics Department expressed excitement about his vision for the program. The Gamecock community welcomes him with open arms, ready to embrace the future under his leadership.
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting new chapter unfolds!
