Her Story
About Donielle
Donielle Duff-Rowell is the Director of Alabama and US College Athlete Manager at SportUSA, where she specializes in helping student-athletes navigate the collegiate recruiting process and pursue opportunities to compete at the next level. With more than 20 years of experience in athletics, coaching, education, and athlete development, she is dedicated to creating meaningful connections between athletes, families, and college programs. Through an athlete-centered and transparent approach, Donielle guides student-athletes in identifying the right academic and athletic fit while supporting them throughout their scholarship journey. Throughout her career, Donielle has built extensive expertise in volleyball coaching, talent identification, and athlete mentorship. She has served as a head volleyball coach, trainer, recruiter, and talent scout across high school, club, and collegiate environments. As the founder and CEO of Coach Dee’s Volley Zone, she provides team camps, individualized skills training, coach development, and performance guidance. Her background as a former student-athlete, educator, and coach enables her to understand the challenges athletes face and provide personalized support to help them achieve their goals. Beyond sports, Donielle is passionate about mental health advocacy, personal growth, and empowering others to reach their full potential. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix and certifications in mental health coaching, life coaching, mindfulness, and personal development. She is also the CEO and creator of the Diva Love Yourself podcast, where she promotes confidence, self-expression, and purpose-driven living. Guided by values of honesty, compassion, integrity, and service. Donielle continues to inspire athletes and individuals to pursue their dreams while building successful futures both on and off the athletic arena.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Donielle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my support system, my faith, and my commitment to growth. Journaling, staying a lifelong student, and embracing new opportunities have shaped my journey. One of my most rewarding moments was helping a student-athlete realize it was okay to pursue the sport she truly loved.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that my capacity expands when I stop doubting every decision. Embracing this mindset helped me confidently transition from teaching into recruiting, allowing me to fully pursue my passion and create a meaningful impact in my work.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to trust their instincts, set firm personal boundaries, and pursue what truly brings them happiness. It is okay to start over and explore new paths until you find your purpose and the work that feels meaningful to you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field come from building relationships with college coaches and athletic directors, expanding my network, and connecting with people through travel and shared experiences. The challenges include continuously promoting myself, standing out in an increasingly automated industry, and maintaining authentic one-on-one relationships in a digital world.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in my work and personal life are honesty, respect, compassion, integrity, empathy, and kindness. I believe in doing the right thing even when no one is watching and treating every person with dignity and respect, regardless of their role or position—from the janitor to the CEO.
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