GAINESVILLE, FL (May 23, 2025) - David S. Lowery will join Santa Fe College in June as head coach for Women's Basketball. Lowery comes from Austin Peay University where he was women's basketball associate head coach. He brings more than 20 years' experience to the Saints.

Previous Saints women's basketball coach Russ Jackson resigned in March after two seasons with the college (22-35) to take a similar role at Daytona State.

Chanda Stebbins, Santa Fe College Athletics Director, noted Lowery's extensive recruiting experience, player development skills, and his connections in Florida.

"We are very excited to hand the reigns of leadership over to David Lowery. He has a proven track record of recruiting Florida hard and has great relationships in women's basketball across the southeast and the nation," Stebbins said. "Our student athletes will greatly benefit from his leadership!"

At Austin Peay, Lowery supported student athletes by mentoring them, improving their performance under pressure and assisting them in overcoming challenges. He also contributed to game scouting and preparation, and managed recruiting efforts by identifying, evaluating and attracting student-athletes.

Prior to Austin Peay, Lowery was women's basketball assistant coach at Florida Atlantic University and women's basketball assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Mercer University in Macon, Ga., under Hall of Fame coach Susie Gardner. His career includes stops at Northwest Florida State College, Florida State College and the University of North Florida.

Prior to North Florida, David was an assistant coach at the University of Florida from 2007-2015. During his time in Gainesville, Lowery played a big role in the recruiting process, and was able to help lead the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances as well as four WNIT appearances. At Florida, Lowery recruited multiple high-profile players such as Steffi Sorenson, a member of the Santa Fe 2014 Hall of Fame Class, as well as Lanita Bartley, a member of the 2016 Hall of Fame Class.

In his career, Lowery has earned numerous coaching and leadership honors and has coached in an NJCAA Division 1 National Championship final, four NCAA Tournaments, five WNITs, and a WNIT Final Four. He also has coached 30 All-Conference players across the SoCon, A-10, SEC and Atlantic Sun.

"I am ecstatic to join the Santa Fe College family and so thankful to Chanda Stebbins, Dr. Naima Brown, and President Dr. Paul Broadie II for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity to become the next head women's basketball coach," Lowery said. "I am honored to represent Santa Fe and compete in the state of Florida against some of the best coaches in the country.  My staff and I will be committed to building a women's basketball program that will compete every day on-and-off the floor while awarding opportunities to these young athletes in the world of basketball and beyond.  I'm thrilled to be back in Gainesville and growing the Santa Fe Women's Basketball program within the Gainesville community and surrounding counties. "