Columbia Appoints Toccara Toland as Women’s Basketball Coach

Columbia, South Carolina, October 10, 2025

News Summary

Columbia College has appointed Toccara Toland as the new head coach for its women’s basketball team. Toland brings an impressive coaching background, including leading Clinton College to a South Region Championship. She aims to build a program that emphasizes local talent and school pride while expressing gratitude for the opportunity. With a strong track record in coaching, Toland is set to inspire her team as they prepare for the upcoming season, starting October 25th against Morris College.

Columbia Welcomes Toccara Toland as New Head Coach for Women’s Basketball

In a thrilling development for basketball fans in Columbia, Toccara Toland has been appointed as the new head coach of the women’s basketball team at Columbia College. The announcement, which has sparked excitement among the community, was made by Glen Crawford, the Director of Athletics at Columbia College.

Glen Crawford highlighted _Tolland’s dedication to her players_ and her impressive coaching experience as significant factors in her hiring. The Columbia College community is buzzing with anticipation as Toland steps into this pivotal role, especially being a native of North, South Carolina. In her own words, she expressed heartfelt _gratitude for being named head coach_ and extended thanks to several college officials, including President Dr. John Dozier and Dean of Students Dr. Sandra Rouse.

Toland is keen on creating a basketball program that reflects _hometown and school pride_, with a special focus on recruiting local talent. This can only mean good things for Columbia College as it aims to solidify its position in collegiate athletics.

A Winning Track Record

Tolland comes to Columbia College with an impressive coaching resume. Most recently, she was the head coach at Clinton College for the 2024–25 season. There, she led her team to a phenomenal record of _22-6_ and clinched a South Region Championship. Her squad also made waves, finishing ranked _No. 8_ in the NCCAA National Championship Tournament.

Under her leadership, Tolland earned the title of _South Region Coach of the Year in 2025_, a testament to her skill and dedication. She not only coached a successful varsity team but also took the initiative to start a JV program, recruiting a remarkable _34 student-athletes for both varsity and JV teams_.

Previous Experience

Before her time at Clinton College, Tolland served as an assistant coach at Long Island University during the 2023–24 season. Her history in coaching includes a successful stint at Allen University in Columbia from 2021-2023, where she helped the team achieve its first winning season in three years with a _14-13 record_.

From 2018 to 2021, she coached at Piedmont International (now Carolina University), where she led her team to a commendable _36-21 record_ and made two appearances in the NCCAA South Regional Championship.

Tolland’s experience isn’t limited to college basketball; she has also made a mark at the high school level. She was the Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at Lexington High School from 2014-2018. Beyond her coaching roles, she is pursuing her EdD at East Tennessee State University in Global Leadership and holds a certification in Mental Health Performance.

From Player to Coach

As a player, Tolland was no slouch either. She received multiple awards, including being recognized as a _WBCA Division III All-American_ and the _2005 NCAA Div. III National Assist Leader_. In 2021, she was honored with induction into the Ferrum College Hall of Fame, showcasing her remarkable contributions to the sport.

Now residing in Columbia, SC, with her children, Diamond and William IV, Tolland is ready to take on this exciting new chapter. The Columbia College women’s basketball season kicks off on October 25th against Morris College, and there’s no doubt that fans are eagerly waiting to see the magic she brings to the court!

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Additional Resources

• Columbia Lions: Staff Changes Announcement
• WACH: Toccara Toland Hired as Head Coach
• Whoop Dirt: Tolland Named Head Coach
• Google Search: Columbia College Women’s Basketball
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Toccara Toland

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