Columbia College Appoints New Women’s Basketball Coach

Columbia, SC, August 15, 2025

News Summary

Columbia College has announced Toccara Toland as the new head coach of its women’s basketball program. With a strong coaching background and a focus on community engagement, Toland aims to foster local talent and build on the team’s recent successes. Her prior achievements include leading teams to championships and earning accolades as a coach. As the season approaches, excitement grows among fans and players alike.

Columbia Welcomes New Head Coach for Women’s Basketball

Exciting times are upon us in Columbia! The city’s Columbia College just announced a big change in their women’s basketball program. The school has officially named Toccara Toland as the new head coach, bringing in a fresh wave of enthusiasm and expertise to the team.

A Perfect Fit for Columbia College

Director of Athletics Glen M. Crawford couldn’t be happier with this hiring. He believes that Toland is not just a coach but the perfect addition to the team. Her dynamic background and commitment to both the game of basketball and the players make her an ideal fit. As the women’s basketball team gears up to build on a history-making season, Toland’s experience will undoubtedly shine.

A Grateful Coach Eager to Begin

Tolland has expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to coach at Columbia College, extending her thanks to President Dr. John Dozier, Dean of Students Dr. Sandra Rouse, Athletic Director Glen Crawford, and the search committee. She feels a strong sense of purpose alongside the institution’s mission and is eager to contribute her passion to the program’s legacy.

Fostering Local Talent

One of Toland’s primary goals is to reach out to local talent, hoping to forge a strong connection between the team and the community. This focus is expected to round out the roster with passionate players who resonate with the college’s spirit.

A Record of Success

Tolland comes to Columbia with considerable coaching experience, most recently serving as the head coach at Clinton College in Rock Hill, SC, where she led her team to a remarkable 22-6 record and secured the South Region Championship. Under her guidance, the Clinton Bears reached as high as No. 8 in the nation during the NCCAA season. Toland earned the title of 2025 South Region Coach of the Year for her efforts.

Her Journey in Coaching

Before her time at Clinton, Toland served as an assistant coach at Long Island University during the 2023-24 season and held the head coach position at Allen University, where she secured the team’s first winning record in three years. Her coaching journey began at Piedmont International, where her name became associated with success, including a strong record and appearances at various championships.

A Player with a Legacy

Tolland’s experience isn’t just limited to coaching. She has a notable history as a player, recognized as a WBCA Division III All-American and earning numerous accolades. From her time at Ferrum College to her presence on the USA South 50th Anniversary Women’s Basketball Team, her accomplishments on the court are impressive.

Building the Future

Residing in Columbia, SC with her children, Toccara Toland is ready to kick off a new chapter as the head coach. The anticipation is building as the women’s basketball season at Columbia College is scheduled to start on October 25th, where they will face off against Morris College.

Conclusion

With Toccara Toland at the helm, the future looks bright for Columbia College’s women’s basketball program. Her commitment to player development, community engagement, and her proven track record are sure to inspire excitement in fans and players alike!

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Toccara Toland Appointed Head Coach of Columbia Women’s Basketball
Dawn Staley Signs Record Extension with South Carolina
Dawn Staley Signs Historic Contract Extension with Gamecocks
Dawn Staley Secures Landmark Contract Extension at USC
Hen’tasia Mclean Joins Columbia College Track and Field Team
Dawn Staley Signs Record-Setting Contract Extension
Dawn Staley Signs Historic Contract Extension with USC
Dawn Staley Signs Historic Contract Extension
South Carolina Golf Teams Prepare for NCAA Championships
Columbia Honors Dawn Staley with Historic Contract and Statue

Additional Resources

• WACH: Columbia College Hires New Women’s Basketball Coach
• WhoopDirt: Toccara Toland Named Head Coach
• CSU Collegian: Women’s Basketball Overview
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Basketball
• Google Search: Women’s Basketball Coaching News

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.