Football Head Coach Scott Abell on Why Give, Why Now

Can you share an example of one or two ways philanthropic support has made your program stronger recently?
The obvious way philanthropic support has made a huge difference in our program is the new facility we are moving into soon. The positive effects the new facility will have on the day-to-day lives and overall efficiency of our program, both for players and staff, are truly game changing. It will enable our scholar-athletes to enhance their academic and athletic pursuits daily. This improvement should contribute to a more memorable experience for everyone associated with Davidson Football – from fans and players to staff and families. Additionally, the support that has gone into ensuring we have added nutritional needs that go above and beyond what a typical student may need will make a big difference for our players and will impact their development over their four years here.

What are some key ways you see your program advancing in the next 1, 2, 5 years?

I learned about Davidson through the football recruiting process and realized what a phenomenal institution it was. My experience on the team played a huge role in my personal growth and development, and after I graduated, the football program continued to open doors for me to engage with Davidosn and continue making a difference on campus. I've been able to see a very direct impact through serving on the Athletic Association Board, coming back to speak with the players and participating in the search committee that brought Coach Abell to Davidson. I think it's common amongst Davidson people to want to impact the communities that have impacted them, and I want to do my part to support the program that did so much for me.
~Donnie Johnson '00

For football, it will be our commitment to maintain our position as the elite program in the Pioneer League for the foreseeable future. This captures both off-the-field accomplishments and on-field success. We are committed to excellence in both, refusing to sacrifice in either aspect. We want our players to be the top scholar-athletes graduating in our conference, and we want to be the best football team year in and year out. While this is not always easy, it is a great goal and the next step. We have already demonstrated our ability to build a winning team and establish a successful program. Now, our focus is on sustaining this winning culture over the long term. The support we receive is crucial to that success. Additionally, moving into the new stadium will further attract an even higher caliber scholar-athlete than before because of any previous facility deficiencies.

What do you see in our scholar-athletes every day that makes an investment in them worthwhile?
If you want to see the best of what Davidson College is, come spend time in our locker room. Whether it is their academic desire to be the best in the classroom, the work ethic that comes with football, or their service-minded selflessness that we see when we support institutions like the Ada Jenkins Center, the Room at the Inn, Lift for Life, Save-A-Warrior project, our players are committed to things that matter. If you spend some time with them, you will want to support them and be a part of the great things they are doing, day in and day out.

What are you most excited about when you think about the future of your program?
As I start my seventh season here, I have been able to see the ways the Davidson College experience and the Davidson Football experience changes lives. It is truly incredible what this education means for so many young men who come from all over the country. The impact this college and program has on each scholar-athlete, regardless of background, is incredibly rewarding to see. I hope everyone who is a part of our program can take a little pride in that.

"Athletics Done Right:" What does that mean to you?Doing athletics right means we are not willing to sacrifice in any phase of what we do. I could tie our WE motto — Win Everything — perfectly into Athletics Done Right, as we make it our mission to excel in everything we put our hands on and our hearts behind. We make it our mission to get our scholar-athletes engaged in as much as possible during their four years here, to understand what their life will look like beyond Exit 30. Whether that is on the field, in the classroom, engaging with our alums or attacking professional life with internships, every Davidson experience plays a part in their development. When we look at "Athletics Done Right," I think it is what Davidson College is all about. We provide a Division I experience that doesn't compromise the holistic experience. I take pride in playing a minor part in creating an environment that facilitates those values.

How have you seen the Gridiron Club develop throughout your tenure, and how has that directly impacted the recent success of your program?

Since I arrived at Davidson in 2018, the Gridiron Club has undergone significant development, evolving from its early stages to become a cornerstone of our program's success over the past 7-8 years. It has allowed our program to become one of the elite Division FCS programs in our conference, if not the elite program. We have seen tremendous growth in the engagement of Wildcats across generations. Our fan base has grown enormously. Our game-day crowds now rival the best event crowds on campus . We have seen support for the Gridiron Club come from across our country, from coast to coast, to be a part of what we are doing. I think that is only going to grow as we move into the new stadium. We would not be here if it weren't for the Gridiron Club and their support. We would not have the championships we now have or the power to retain our staff and the continuity that comes with that. I am so grateful for what the Gridiron Club represents and how they have supported the football program. I look forward to seeing the club grow as we continue to evolve as a program.

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