Columbia College found its first men’s basketball coach. 

Jake Deer will lead the program during its inaugural season in 2024-25. The coach brings 21 years of collegiate experience with him. 

Deer previously served as the head coach of the NAIA school, Point University in West Point, Georgia for five seasons. He led the team to a 70-74 record over that span.

The team went 15-15 in his first season, which was the program’s best finish since 2013. During the 2020-21 season, he led his players to an Appalachian Athletic Conference title and won Coach of the Year for his efforts. 

The Skyhawks experienced a down year in 2024 going 6-22 while ending on a 15-game losing streak. 

Before his time at Point, Deer was the associate coach at the University of Texas at Tyler.

Before that, he was the associate coach for Francis Marion University in South Carolina. He also has head coaching experience from his time at Johnson University in Florida.

“I’d like to thank President Dozier and Mr. Crawford for the opportunity to start and lead the Men’s Basketball program at Columbia College. I’m excited to get started,” Deer said.

Columbia College was founded in 1854 as Columbia Female College. In the ‘80s, the school began to add evening courses, which were offered to both men and women. 

The school transitioned to full residential co-ed in 2020 and admitted the first class of males in the fall of 2021. 

The athletics department established male sports programs simultaneously and plans to add basketball this fall. The school already fields soccer, cross country, track, tennis, golf and swimming teams.

School officials hope adding a men’s basketball program will build engagement on campus and become a community stronghold. Schools officials say it will foster growth and diversify its offerings to its students. 

Deer will be responsible for building the program from the ground up, but he has the school’s support. Glen Crawford, the athletics director, said Deer is a dedicated coach and will deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

“Jake is the perfect addition to our team at Columbia College,” he said. “His dedication to his players and the sport of basketball is evidenced through his impressive and dynamic coaching experience. The men who make up our inaugural men’s basketball team deserve a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I know Coach Deer can give it to them.”