Donna Fishter is considered an architect of team culture & player development. In today’s society it is coaches that have the greatest impact in an athlete’s life. That is why Donna is so passionate about educating coaches on how to connect better with players and build mentally and emotionally strong athletes. This intrinsic focus with individual athletes filters into how the culture of a team functions. Donna believes the beliefs and behaviors of players can be mobilized in such a way to create ownership in the team and what the corporate world calls fierce loyalty. To build this foundation, coaches need leaders they can count on to influence teammates and shape the culture. Leadership is key in any organization, and that is why Donna became a certified leadership specialist with the John Maxwell Coaching Team. “Having great team leaders and captains is a critical piece in building championship teams,” says Donna.
This intense focus on leadership and team culture began in what Donna now calls her “laboratory” at University of Central Florida (UCF) Women’s Soccer. Donna was a member of the UCF coaching staff for 13 years with World Cup Champion and Olympian Amanda Cromwell. From the beginning of her stint at UCF in 2000, Donna implemented a leadership training program and was the architect behind a team culture that was instrumental in moving UCF from #145 (NCAA RPI final ranking) in 2000 to a consistently recognized Top 25 program by 2007.
In addition to being the leadership specialist and team architect, Donna was the Travel Coordinator and Goalkeeper Coach. UCF has a legacy of impressive goalkeepers and during Donna’s 13 seasons with UCF, the Knights posted 106 total shutouts. Donna mentored some of the top keepers in school history, including Jessica Kuhlman, Jennifer Manis, All-American Aline Reis, Lianne Maldonado, and Connie Organ.
Donna is a 1995 graduate from Anderson University in Indiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design and minor in communications. Donna competed as a dual sport athlete in soccer and softball, and upon finishing her eligibility, she joined the women’s soccer coaching staff at her alma mater. In 2012, Donna was inducted into the AU Athletics Hall of Fame.
She spent 1997-1999 playing in the United Soccer Leagues women’s division, starting her career with the Indiana Blaze in 1997, joined the Orlando Ladyhawks in 1998, and finished her playing career in 1999 with the Tampa Bay Extreme. After a one-year stint as an assistant coach at Edgewater High School in Orlando, she served as the head coach at Trinity Prep in 1999 and through the years has coached various age groups in club soccer.
Donna has spent time in the classroom at UCF, serving as an adjunct instructor primarily teaching for the College of Education (Sports & Fitness majors/minors).
Many people inspire Donna’s life, some of whom are: the Apostle Paul, John Maxwell, Condoleezza Rice, John Wooden, Cal Ripken, Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy.
Donna is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies at Reformed Theological Seminary. She is a covenant member of Genesis Church and serves on the Guest Relations Team.
