Covenant College announces McIntosh as new Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Covenant Director of Athletics John Hirte has announced Tonya McIntosh as the new Women’s Basketball Head Coach. She is the 10th Head Coach in program history. 

“I’m thrilled that Coach McIntosh has agreed to become our next Head Women’s Basketball Coach,” Hirte said. “She possesses a true heart and passion for discipleship and empowerment of young women, as well as a depth of experience surrounding the game of basketball. “

McIntosh comes to Lookout Mountain with several years of coaching and administrative experience at both the collegiate and high school levels. 

“I am deeply grateful to John Hirte, the selection committee, and the administration of Covenant College for their support and prayers throughout the hiring process,” McIntosh said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the Women’s Basketball program and the Covenant College community.”

McIntosh holds a B.A. in Exercise Science from Louisiana College (now known as Louisiana Christian) and a M.A. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University.

“I’m excited for what’s in store for our women’s basketball team as she seeks to develop her players as student-athletes and followers of Jesus, while simultaneously growing the program to contend for CCS championships.” Hirte said.

McIntosh was the Head Coach at her alma mater, Louisiana College for seven seasons and was ASC Eastern Division Coach of the Year twice. During her tenure there, she led them into transition from NAIA to NCAA Division III.

In her first season in charge of the Wildcats, McIntosh won 20 games. McIntosh also led a team that advanced to the NCCAA National Tournament in 2001-02. During her seven years there, McIntosh coached several All-Conference players and Conference Players of the Year.

Off the court at Louisiana College, McIntosh played a vital role in coordinating and securing funds for Mission Trips to both South Africa and Greece. 

When she was a student at Louisiana College, McIntosh was a standout member of the Women’s Basketball team. Some of her playing accolades include NAIA All-American, Conference Player of the Year, and 2x All-Louisiana Team. In 2008, McIntosh was inducted into the Louisiana Christian Hall of Fame. 

Currently, McIntosh is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Uncommon One, Inc., which is a faith-based non-profit focused on the growth, encouragement, and development of young women. 

In 2023, McIntosh served as the Head of School at Union Christian Academy in Farmerville, Louisiana. In this role, she oversaw facilities, faculty, and budget. She also led professional development and spiritual mentorship for staff members. 

Prior to that, McIntosh worked at D’arbonne Woods Charter School in Farmerville as Athletic Director, where she was also Head Women’s Basketball Coach for five years. On the administrative side, McIntosh oversaw budgets for all varsity and junior varsity sports programs and led efforts to manage and develop relationships with corporate sponsorships, among other things. On the court, she led D’arbonne Woods Charter to its first playoff berth in school history and recorded the most wins in school history. 

McIntosh has coached at four other high schools across the state of Louisiana during her career. During a stop at Holy Savior Menard High School in Alexandria, she led Women’s Basketball to the District championship and was named 2008-09 Coach of the Year. She also had the honor of coaching in the LHSAA All-Star game. 

In a stint at LaSalle High School, McIntosh coached a team that had three All-District performers while advancing to the state playoffs. She also generated funds to upgrade facilities at the school for Women’s Basketball. 

McIntosh will look to build her 2024-25 team around seniors Abby Witt, a 2023-24 All-Conference player, and Breezy Savage as well as Lucy Benson who had a great freshman season averaging 9.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. 

“It is an honor to lead and disciple the young women entrusted to my care, helping them grow in Christ while using basketball as a platform to exemplify excellence, sportsmanship, and competition.” McIntosh said. 

Tonya is married to her husband Michael, who is a pastor. They have three children, the middle being Karis who just graduated from Covenant in May. Karis was a four-year member of the Women’s Basketball team, and ended her career ranked sixth all-time in program history in three-pointers made. 

https://athletics.covenant.edu/news/2024/7/3/mcintosh-named-womens-basketball-head-coach.aspx

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