News Summary

Columbia College has named Toccara Toland as the new head coach for its women’s basketball program. This appointment seeks to enhance the team’s performance and competitiveness in collegiate basketball. Director of Athletics, Glen M. Crawford, expressed confidence in Toland’s abilities, highlighting her successful coaching history and player-oriented approach. Toland arrives with significant experience, including an impressive tenure at Clinton College, where she achieved notable successes. She aims to build a strong program at Columbia, leveraging her extensive coaching background and commitment to player development.

Columbia

Columbia College has officially named Toccara Toland as the new head coach of its women’s basketball program. This strategic hire aims to enhance the team’s performance and build on its existing foundation, as the college looks to elevate its competitiveness in women’s collegiate basketball.

Glen M. Crawford, the Director of Athletics at Columbia College, emphasized the confidence the administration has in Toland’s abilities, stating she is a “perfect addition” to the team. Her track record of developing successful sports programs and her strong player-centered coaching approach have made her an ideal choice for the role.

Toland arrives at Columbia with a wealth of experience, including notable achievements during her previous tenure at Clinton College. There, she led the women’s basketball team to an impressive 22-6 season record, securing a region championship and advancing to the NCCAA National Championship tournament. Under her leadership, the team achieved a national ranking of #8 within the NCCAA, and she was honored as the South Region Coach of the Year in 2025.

In addition to guiding Clinton’s varsity program, Toland also launched the junior varsity program, successfully recruiting 34 student-athletes across both teams. This initiative reflects her commitment to fostering athletic talent and growth among players.

Previous Coaching Roles

Prior to her time at Clinton College, Toland served as an assistant coach at Long Island University during the 2023-24 season. She was also the head coach at Allen University from 2021 to 2023, where she achieved significant milestones, including the team’s first winning record in three years during the 2022-23 season with a record of 14-13. Under her guidance, Allen reached the SIAC conference quarterfinals.

Her coaching journey also includes a tenure at Piedmont International (now Carolina University) from 2018 to 2021, where she achieved a solid 36-21 record and led her team to the NCCAA DI South Regional Championship twice, earning rankings as high as #6 in the nation during that period.

Toland’s coaching career began at the high school level where she served as the head varsity girls basketball coach at Lexington High School from 2014 to 2018. During this time, she also contributed to the Winston-Salem Lady Warcats as an associate head coach and director of operations, a team she founded in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League in 2010.

Athletic Accomplishments

In addition to her extensive coaching experience, Toland has had a distinguished playing career. She was named a WBCA Division III All-American and earned recognition as the 2005 NCAA Div. III National Assist Leader. Additionally, she was honored as the USA South Player of the Year and was selected to the 2014 USA South 50th Anniversary Women’s Basketball Team.

Educational Background

Tolland’s academic achievements complement her athletic career. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Ferrum College and a M.A.S in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University. Currently, she is pursuing her EdD in Global Leadership at East Tennessee State University.

Now residing in Columbia, SC, with her children, Diamond and William IV, Toland is enthusiastic about the opportunity to build a strong women’s basketball program at Columbia College. Her experience and commitment to the sport are expected to make a positive impact as the team embarks on its journey in the upcoming season.

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Additional Resources

• Whoop Dirt: Toccara Toland Named Women’s Basketball Head Coach at Columbia College
• WACH: Columbia College Names New Women’s Basketball Head Coach
• Columbia Missourian: Columbia College Women’s Basketball Triumphs Over Missouri Baptist
• Go Columbia Lions: Henderson Collins Selected to 2025 Women’s College All-Star Game Watch List
• Google Search: Columbia College Women’s Basketball

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