Rob McDonald joins SVSU Women’s Basketball coaching staff

Saginaw Valley State University women’s basketball has announced the addition of Rob McDonald to the coaching staff as an assistant coach under head coach Jenny Pruett. 

“I am beyond blessed to be provided with this opportunity to take this next step in my career at Saginaw Valley State University,” McDonald said. “I’d like to thank Coach Pruett for taking a chance on me while providing me with the opportunity to serve this great University, the Cardinal community, and these very talented young ladies in the women’s basketball program.”

McDonald comes to the Cardinals from fellow NCAA Division II institution Saint Leo University in Florida, where he specialized in team and opponent scouting and player development. While with the Lions, he helped the team to 12 wins in the Sunshine State Conference, the most for the program since joining the league. The team finished 17-12 overall and advanced to the Sunshine State Conference Tournament. 

Prior to Saint Leo, he was the lead assistant coach at Lincoln University of Missouri, where he was an effective part of an increase in wins, attendance, fundraising, and overall GPA in the Lincoln women’s basketball program.

He began his coaching career at the NJCAA level with Eastern Florida State College, where he helped the program to a Top-25 national ranking. 

As a student-athlete himself, McDonald excelled in both basketball and football at Saint Olaf College at the NCAA Division III level. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts from Saint Olaf.  

“We are so excited to welcome Coach Rob and his family to SVSU,” Pruett said. “He has an electric energy that is undeniable the moment you meet him. His background in player development is exactly what we were looking for in an assistant coach and his ability to connect with the players was evident during the first meetings. Coach Rob is definitely going to help in our pursuit of championships. He is passionate about basketball, passionate about Saginaw Valley, and cannot wait to get started. We are so blessed to welcome him into our Cardinal Family.”

McDonald, better known as Coach Rob, is married with two children. He has a passion for life, learning, and adventure.

http://athletics.svsu.edu/sports/wbkb/2021-22/releases/20220701khvg9z