The newly appointed head coach of Clinton College’s women’s basketball team has built a career rooted in faith, perseverance, and an unshakable commitment to family. And like many great stories in the HBCU sports world, hers is one of determination, sacrifice, and unwavering belief.

Behind every play call, recruiting trip, and game plan, there has been one constant— her faith.

“I just want to be aligned with whatever God has for me,” Toland said in an exclusive interview with HBCU Gameday. “Whatever my purpose is, or whatever is in His will, that’s what I want to do.”

Toland’s road to HBCU basketball wasn’t linear. A product of North, South Carolina, she wasn’t heavily recruited by HBCUs — or anyone — coming out of high school, despite averaging 21 points per game. She ended up at Ferrum College, a small Division III program in Virginia, where she became an All-American, led the nation in assists, and cemented her name in the school’s Hall of Fame.

“I always loved HBCUs. It was something I wished I had experienced, and when I got the chance to coach at one, I knew it was my opportunity to give back,” she said.

She got that opportunity at Allen University. She helped Allen record its first winning record in three years in 2022-23 when they went 14-13 and made it to the SIAC conference quarterfinals.

Toland’s coaching career started at the high school level, but it was her time at Piedmont International (now Carolina University) —an NCCAA program—that truly put her on the path to leadership. There, she learned the intricacies of program-building, recruiting, and developing student-athletes on and off the court. But more importantly, it was there that she solidified her coaching philosophy.

She built her career on relationships. To Toccara Toland, coaching isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about empowerment, guidance, and helping young women discover their own potential. That belief has carried her from Piedmont International to Allen University, Long Island University, and now Clinton College.

Faith has played a role in every major decision she has made. When the opportunity at Clinton arose, it wasn’t an easy choice. She had spent a season at LIU, gaining Division I experience, learning the ins and outs of a program at the highest level of college basketball. But she left New York to being closer to home, closer to her children, and in an environment that embraced her vision. So far, that has proved to be the right call.

“It was definitely a hard decision. I had to pray on it,” Toland said. “But once I got here, I knew it was home. The people here poured into me before I even got started. They believed in me before I gave them anything.”

And that belief has already paid off. In her first season at Clinton, she’s taken a roster built from scratch and turned it into a contender. The Golden Bears have been nationally ranked in the NCCAA, gone on a nine-game winning streak, and are in prime position for a deep postseason run. Not bad for a program that had to be assembled piece by piece.

Her ability to recruit, motivate, and develop players is undeniable. Players from her previous stops followed her to Clinton, believing in her vision. And when she needed more talent, she found players hungry for an opportunity, much like she was years ago.

But for all the success on the court, her most important role is the one she plays at home. As a mother to a graduating high school senior and a nine-year-old son, Toccara Toland has never lost sight of her priorities. Balancing a coaching career and motherhood isn’t easy, but she credits her faith and the support systems around her for making it possible.

“My jobs have always been family-oriented. That’s been a blessing. My kids have been able to be part of the journey with me,” she said. “I make sure I’m present in their lives, and we make it work.”

As Clinton College continues its rise under Toland’s leadership, one thing is clear—her success isn’t just measured in wins and losses, but in the impact she has on the young women she leads. She’s more than a coach; she’s a mentor, a leader, and a woman of faith making her mark in HBCU basketball.

“I don’t want to get too caught up in the wins and losses,” she said. “Because I understand now that because I am aligned with God’s purpose and will for my life, those will come.”

They are coming fast and furious right now, and Toccara Toland doesn’t look to slow down any time soon. 

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ROCK HILL, S.C. – Director of Athletics Vincent Robinson has announced the hiring of Toccara Toland as the next head coach of the Clinton College women’s basketball program for the 2024-25 season.

“Coach Toland is the perfect addition to our team at Clinton College,” Director of Athletics Vincent Robinson shared. “Her dedication to her players and the sport of basketball is evidenced through her impressive and dynamic coaching experience. The young ladies who make up our women’s basketball team deserve a great student-athlete experience, and I know Coach Toland is the right woman who can enhance the student athlete experience.” 

“I want to thank President McCorn, Dr. Angelyne Brown, AD Vincent Robinson and the entire athletics administration at Clinton College for believing in me and granting me the opportunity to lead the Golden Bears women’s basketball program,” commented Coach Toland. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew this was where I needed and wanted to be. I’m excited to get started while also looking forward to returning this program to its winning traditions that the Clinton College community, the city of Rock Hill, and the state of South Carolina can be proud of!”

A return to the HBCU ranks

Toland comes to Clinton from Div. I Long Island University (NY) where she was the assistant coach in the 2023-24 season. Before heading to LIU, Toland was the head coach at HBCU Allen University in Columbia for three seasons from 2020-2023. During her time at Allen, she led her team to 26 wins over three seasons including a shortened 2021 Covid-season. She helped Allen record their first winning record in 3 years in 2022-23 when they went 14-13 and made it to the SIAC conference quarterfinals.

Before going to Allen, Toland was at Piedmont International (now Carolina University) in Winston-Salem, NC for three years, where she served as the Head Women’s Basketball coach from 2018-2021, compiling a 36-21 record. During Toland’s three-year stint, the Bruins advanced to the NCCAA DI South Regional Championship twice and was ranked as high as #6 in the nation. She also recruited and produced several Academic-Scholars, six All-Region student-athletes and the first NCCAA student-athlete of the week for the university since 2016. 

Toland completed an internship at Wake Forest University as an Operations Intern under Coach Kendra Samuels-Eaton in 2010. She is also currently pursuing her EdD at East Tennessee State University in Global Leadership. 

Before heading to the college ranks, Toland was the Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at Lexington HS (N.C.) from 2014-2018. Prior to that she was the Winston-Salem Lady Warcats Associate Head Coach and Director of Operations from 2012-2018 as well. In 2010, Toland founded the Lady Warcats in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League and played for the team for two years before becoming the Associate Head Coach/Director of Operations. She went 27-20 with 2 National Playoff appearances in the WBCBL. Coach Toland then worked her way up the ranks and was named the Carolinas Regional Director from 2014 until 2016.

During her playing days, Toland received a host of awards such as being named a WBCA Division III All-American, the 2005 NCAA Div. III National Assist Leader, USA South Player of the Year, and Virginia All-State First Team. In 2014, Toland was named to the USA South 50th Anniversary Women’s Basketball Team and was most recently named to the Ferrum College (Va.) Hall of Fame in 2021. 

Toland, a graduate of Ferrum College, VA holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. She has also earned a M.A.S in Sports Management with a concentration in Athletic Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Coach Toland is originally from North, SC and now resides in Irmo with her daughter Diamond and son William, the IV.

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