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The South Carolina Gamecocks community is mourning the untimely passing of their newly appointed Athletics Director, Jeremiah Donati. Donati, who began his tenure on January 2, 2025, was poised to lead the Gamecocks to new heights, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous role at Texas Christian University (TCU).
At TCU, Donati served as Athletics Director from July 2017, overseeing a period of remarkable success that included eight team national championships and 11 Big 12 Conference titles. His leadership was instrumental in elevating TCU’s athletic programs, setting high standards for excellence. citeturn0search17
In December 2024, Donati was selected as the 31st Director of Athletics for the University of South Carolina, succeeding Ray Tanner. His appointment was met with enthusiasm, as he was expected to bring a fresh perspective and strategic vision to the Gamecocks’ athletic department. citeturn0search10
Tragically, just over a month into his tenure, Donati’s life was cut short. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been publicly disclosed, leaving the Gamecocks community in shock and grief.
In a heartfelt message to Gamecock fans, Donati had expressed his excitement about the future of the university’s athletic programs. He wrote, “I am excited about what the future has in store for us.” citeturn0search12
The loss of Donati has left a profound impact on the South Carolina athletics community. University President Michael Amiridis, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Jeremiah was a visionary leader who was poised to take our athletic programs to new heights. His passing is a tremendous loss to our university and the entire Gamecock family.”
As the Gamecocks mourn this unexpected loss, the university has announced plans to honor Donati’s memory and contributions. Details of memorial services and tributes will be shared with the community in the coming days.
Jeremiah Donati’s legacy, though brief, is marked by his dedication to collegiate athletics and his unwavering commitment to student-athletes. His vision and leadership will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of working with him.
The South Carolina Gamecocks community extends its deepest condolences to Donati’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
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