The Southwestern College Athletic Department recently announced Chardonnae Parker has been promoted to the position of head coach of Builder women’s basketball.
She had previously been serving as the interim head coach since the departure of Whitney Corley in February, according to a press release from SC Friday.
Corley had been head coach of the SC women since 2016. Last season, the Builders finished 4-24 overall and 1-21 in KCAC play.
Parker, who was an assistant coach for Southwestern last year, spent the two previous seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Missouri Valley College, while earning a Master’s Degree in Communications.
She served in all aspects of the program at Missouri Valley, including head coach of the reserve team, recruiting, game scouting, social media management, and game day operations, according to SC.
“The department underwent a detailed search for the next head coach for Lady Builder hoops,” said interim director of athletics, Matt O’Brien. “We had several quality candidates, but found that Chardonnae’s work-ethic and character burst to the forefront.
“She was the best person for the job. I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated search committee for their efforts in making this hiring happen. We could not have done it without them.”
Southwestern’s search committee was comprised of Stephannie DeLong (Associate VP for Admission), Dr. Elizabeth Frombgen (President), Lonnie Boyd (Director of Human Resources), Dr. Dawn Pleas (VP for Special Projects & Planning), Noah Harris (Flag Football Head Coach), Brad Griffin (Football Head Coach) and O’Brien.
Parker becomes the leader of the program after spending the 2022-23 season as an assistant coach at Southwestern. She spent the two previous seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Missouri Valley College, while earning a Master’s Degree in Communications. She served in all aspects of the program, including head coach of the reserve team, recruiting, game scouting, social media management, and game day operations.
“I am very excited for the opportunity,” Parker said. “This year has been amazing working and serving as the assistant coach here at Southwestern. I walked into a program that has a lot of legacy and tradition, and I am honored to take that to the next level in my new role as the head coach.
“I want these ladies to leave a legacy for themselves and have something for them to look back on and be proud of, but also for the alumni to be proud of. I’m so glad to be a part of Southwestern College. I want to thank our amazing administration for giving me this amazing opportunity to serve this institution as we help our athletes to achieve excellence both on and off the court. I am excited for the future of Lady Builder Basketball.”
She continues her work ahead for the 2023-24 season in her new role at the top of the storied Moundbuilder women’s basketball program, and Builder Nation is excited to see her progress in the upcoming campaign.
