SVSU women's basketball announced the addition of Rob McDonald to the coaching staff as an assistant coach under head coach Jenny Pruett in July 2022. 

"I am beyond blessed to be provided with this opportunity to take this next step in my career at Saginaw Valley State University," McDonald said. "I'd like to thank Coach Pruett for taking a chance on me, while providing me with the opportunity to serve this great University, the Cardinal community and these very talented young ladies in the women's basketball program."

McDonald comes to the Cardinals from fellow NCAA Division II institution Saint Leo University in Florida, where he specialized in team and opponent scouting and player development. While with the Lions, he helped the team to 12 wins in the Sunshine State Conference, the most in program history since joining the league. The team finished 17-12 overall and advanced to the Sunshine State Conference Tournament. 

Prior to Saint Leo, he was the lead assistant coach at Lincoln University of Missouri, where he was an effective part of an increase in wins, attendance, fundraising, and overall GPA in the Lincoln Women's Basketball Program.

He began his coaching career at the NJCAA level with Eastern Florida State College, where he helped the program to a Top-25 national ranking. 

As a student-athlete himself, McDonald excelled in both basketball and football at Saint Olaf College at the NCAA Division III level. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Studio Arts from Saint Olaf.  

McDonald, better known as Coach Rob, is married with two children, ages ten and one. He has a passion for life, learning and adventure.