From the Desk of Jeremiah Donati: South Carolina Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati, leading the No. 6-ranked program, addresses the latest pressing topics surrounding Gamecock athletics…

From the desk of South Carolina Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati, the tone is focused, proud, and forward-thinking. With the Gamecocks sitting at No. 6 nationally across all sports in the latest Director’s Cup standings, Donati finds himself not just reflecting on what has gone well, but mapping out the future of a department now entrenched in national conversation. The recent successes of South Carolina athletics, from national championship pursuits to individual player accolades, have put the university on an upward trajectory that has caught the attention of both fans and competitors alike. And Donati, who took the helm after a series of calculated leadership shifts, is steering the ship with a blend of bold strategy, transparency, and Gamecock pride.

The 2024–25 season has already been one of the most prolific in the school’s history. At the forefront has been the unprecedented success of women’s basketball under head coach Dawn Staley. The team claimed another national title in dominating fashion, proving once again that the program is not just elite, but dynastic. As Donati describes, the work done by Staley, her staff, and the players exemplifies what South Carolina athletics aims to be across the board—resilient, powerful, and consistent in excellence.

“What Dawn has built is nothing short of generational,” Donati notes. “She’s not just coaching a team—she’s creating a legacy, a cultural identity, and a sense of expectation that permeates through all of Gamecock athletics.”

The women’s basketball program hasn’t only been a source of pride because of wins and trophies. It’s also been a beacon for NIL success and national branding. The recent \$30 million endorsement deal secured by Coach Staley, along with her \$10 million donation back to the university, signifies more than just a moment of generosity—it signals a paradigm shift. Donati explains that this level of reinvestment by a coach into their own program is “unprecedented and deeply impactful.”

With NIL increasingly defining the competitive landscape in college athletics, South Carolina is well aware that staying ahead requires creative partnerships, robust donor involvement, and national-level visibility. Donati and his team have taken active measures to build out a forward-looking NIL infrastructure that aligns with the values of the university while also maximizing student-athlete opportunities.

“We’re not sitting back and hoping things work out. We’re being intentional about NIL,” he says. “We’re equipping our athletes with the tools, resources, and guidance to navigate these opportunities responsibly and successfully.”

The Gamecock Exchange, the school’s NIL platform, has expanded partnerships with local and national businesses, and Donati has been instrumental in ensuring it operates with transparency and support. He sees it as a way to reinforce the university’s commitment to both athletic success and holistic development of its athletes.

While the women’s basketball team garners headlines, Donati is quick to point out the all-around excellence across the department. Men’s baseball made another deep postseason run, energizing Founders Park and reviving long-standing championship hopes. Meanwhile, the football team has continued to show signs of strong culture-building under Shane Beamer. Though last season was met with mixed results, Donati remains confident in the direction of the program.

“Football is the front porch of any Power Five school. We know that, and we embrace it,” he says. “Coach Beamer brings passion, heart, and an unshakable belief in what Gamecock football can be. That resonates with our fans and our players.”

Beamer’s recruiting classes have been among the strongest in recent memory, and South Carolina continues to be a destination for top-tier talent from across the Southeast. The emergence of homegrown talent and high-impact transfers gives Donati confidence that the program is trending in the right direction. This fall, the Gamecocks will play one of the most challenging schedules in the country, and Donati views it as an opportunity to solidify the team’s national profile.

“Our philosophy is to never shy away from competition. Iron sharpens iron. And when we schedule tough, it reflects our belief in our program and our desire to be among the elite.”

Off the field, the athletic department is undergoing an ambitious facilities upgrade plan. With over \$150 million committed to revitalizing and reimagining athletic spaces, South Carolina is investing heavily in the future. Williams-Brice Stadium is undergoing phased renovations aimed at improving the fan experience, including enhanced premium seating, new video boards, and improved accessibility. The Long Family Football Operations Center is also expanding to include additional recovery and nutrition resources.

Donati emphasizes that these upgrades are not about flash—they are about function, performance, and sustainability.

“Our fans deserve world-class experiences, and our athletes deserve world-class tools. Every brick we lay is a building block for the next generation of Gamecock greatness.”

Student-athlete welfare is another major pillar in Donati’s mission. The launch of the Gamecock Total Wellness program is bringing together physical health, mental health, academic support, and life preparation under one coordinated umbrella. This initiative, spearheaded by the athletic department in partnership with campus leadership, seeks to ensure that all South Carolina student-athletes graduate with not just degrees, but with the life skills necessary for long-term success.

“Championships are great, but our true legacy is the people we develop,” Donati says. “Every athlete that walks through our doors should leave prepared for life, whether that’s in professional sports or a professional career.”

The Gamecock brand has grown significantly in the past year, aided by increased media exposure and digital strategy. Social engagement metrics across all platforms are up by over 35%, and the university has launched its first in-house creative agency to support storytelling, content creation, and recruiting. Donati views this evolution as critical in modern collegiate athletics.

“Kids today choose schools based on what they can see, hear, and feel. If we’re not telling our story the right way, someone else will.”

South Carolina’s efforts have also earned recognition in community engagement. The “Gamecocks Give Back” campaign has logged over 10,000 volunteer hours across local initiatives, and student-athletes from every sport are actively involved in mentorship and outreach. Donati describes community involvement not as a side project, but as a core component of the Gamecock identity.

“We represent this state, and that comes with responsibility. Service, humility, and gratitude are values we teach every day.”

Looking ahead, Donati and his leadership team are focused on navigating the evolving NCAA landscape, particularly the ongoing conversations around student-athlete compensation, revenue sharing, and realignment. He’s part of a growing number of athletic directors advocating for more clarity and structure from the NCAA and Congress alike. For him, it’s about fairness and sustainability.

“We need solutions that protect opportunities, ensure equity, and maintain the integrity of college athletics. The current model is shifting, and we must be prepared to lead in whatever form that takes.”

He remains optimistic about the future of college sports—and about South Carolina’s place in it. The school’s recent surge in the Directors’ Cup is more than symbolic. It’s a marker that the Gamecocks aren’t just participating—they’re excelling.

“We’ve made a statement, but now we have to sustain it. And that’s where the real challenge lies. Can we keep pushing the envelope? Can we outwork, outsmart, and outperform? I believe we can.”

As Donati wraps up his thoughts, it’s clear that South Carolina isn’t content with just having a moment. It wants to build a movement—one rooted in purpose, pride, and the pursuit of excellence across all sports. With bold leadership, passionate fans, and a rising national profile, the Gamecocks are aiming not just to compete, but to define what a modern collegiate athletic powerhouse looks like.

For Jeremiah Donati, the work continues—quietly, persistently, and always with one eye on the next horizon.