“He’s going to take Fort Valley State University women’s basketball to another level,” stated senior player Shekinah Rachel recently when referring to her Coach Douglas Robertson. Under his leadership thus far, the program is on its way to doing just that.
Since taking the wheel at FVSU in September of last year, the Baltimore, MD native has been driving towards creating a team of winning young women. He says he likes being around young people and there’s no better way to have a positive impact on their lives than through one of the loves of his life, basketball.
Prior to coming to “The Valley” the veteran coach spent time as assistant coach on the Shaw University women’s basketball staff and Claflin University’s men’s basketball team. Robertson also headed the South Carolina State University women’s team for ten seasons. While in Division II he compiled a 53-33 record at Bowie State winning the Eastern Division Championship and Coach of the Year honors in 2007-2008.
Robertson arrived two years ago with his spouse Monica, the Assistant Vice President for Honors and College Experiences at Claflin, along with their two children, and says he couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity. “Coming here to Middle Georgia and Fort Valley has been a blessing. The people here have been fair and hold reasonable expectations,” he said. “My wife and I try to positively affect young people. Sharing opportunities with other people is something we enjoy.”
Historically Black Colleges and Universities hold special potential for the young women he’s working with says Robertson. He sees those settings as unique academic and social opportunities.
But his expectations of his players extend beyond campus and the court. Robertson has created a community minded team and charged them with reaching out to Fort Valley residents as a way of connecting and giving back whenever there’s a chance to do so.
“These things are vital to their personal development. We are trying to establish an unbreakable bond between them and their school, community, and each other,” he added. Rachel says it’s part of her coach’s life plan for them. “He wants us to carry ourselves responsibly and respectfully on and off the court. I trust him,” the 23-year-old Liberal Arts major admitted. “He’s a great fit for us.”
Getting student-athletes centered is at the heart of his effort. He has great respect for them and understands their challenges. When he can help them to successfully balance their academic, social, and athletic lives, Robertson feels a sense of accomplishment. “These are wins for me that I cherish. It’s like winning a championship,” he shared.
Like Fort Valley State’s men’s basketball coach, Athletic Director Renae Myles Payne, Ed.D., says Robertson is relatable to his team – something that is not just needed to reach today’s student-athletes but that is expected by them. She’s excited to see Robertson combining coaching acumen and mentoring. Payne also likes his ability to get things done through the network of people he’s built during his lengthy coaching journey.
Add a Division I mindset about winning in an SIAC environment and it can be explosive according to the 26-year athletics administrator. “He and Coach Robinson have those connections. Their networks are most impactful for us. I believe Coach Doug has what it takes to get it done,” she said.
Robertson likes the possibilities as well. But he acknowledges that the team has its work cut out for it. Of the twelve players only four are returning. The other eight are freshmen. He also wants them to be more physical. Especially around the basket.
Payne noted that he focuses hard on conditioning. She says the team has a chance to disrupt their opponents’ plans if they develop the ability to run and gun. “If we stay competitive under these coaches, we’ll be successful. We want to take them from competitive to winning routinely,” she expressed. That’s the plan according to Robertson. “We’re going at every situation with intensity. If the team goes hard that’s all I can ask.”
