Donovan Newby, the 2025 Coastal Athletic Association Tournament Most Outstanding Player, has officially returned to the University of North Carolina Wilmington as the program’s new Director of Player Personnel.
A Legacy of Excellence
During his five seasons with the Seahawks, Newby amassed 1,369 points, shot a career‑high 33 points against Georgia Southern, and set a program record with eight three‑pointers in a single game. He helped the team capture three consecutive seasons with at least 20 wins and was a key factor in the 2022 Baha Mar Nassau Championship. His perfect 18‑of‑18 performance in the CAA tournament and his 87.3 percent free‑throw accuracy underscore a career defined by consistency and clutch play.
Shaping the Future
In his new role, Newby will work closely with head coach Takayo Siddle and veteran assistant Craig Ponder to guide recruiting efforts, oversee player development, and shape scouting strategies. His intimate understanding of the program’s culture and his proven leadership on the court are expected to accelerate the team’s growth and competitiveness.
The addition of Newby to the staff marks a strategic move to blend experience with fresh perspective. By leveraging his extensive network and deep connections across the East Coast basketball landscape, the Seahawks aim to attract top talent and reinforce a winning mindset that has already produced multiple championship seasons.
Craig Ponder, the only Seahawk to win a league championship both as a player in 2016 and as a coach in 2025, will now work side‑by‑side with Newby. Together, they bring a unique blend of playing and coaching expertise that the program hopes will translate into sustained success on the national stage.
Fans and alumni alike are eager to see how Newby’s championship pedigree and analytical approach will influence the next generation of Seahawks. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the front office’s blend of veteran insight and fresh energy promises an exciting chapter for UNCW basketball.