ICC has announced Keith Donerson as new Head Football Coach of the Pirates.
"I am thankful to God and my family for giving me the opportunity to be the Head Coach of ICC Football. I would also like to thank the previous ICC Head Coaches for helping me to reach this position," Donerson said. "I bring with me a wealth of experience that will help our student athletes reach their fullest potential. I am committed to creating a culture of excellence and am eager to get to work."
Donerson has served as an Assistant Coach at Independence since 2016. During his tenure, he has helped coach the Pirates to three Jayhawk Conference Championships in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Donerson has also produced over 50 Division 1 student athletes. Notable among them are Emmit Gooden (Tennessee) and the No. 1 Junior College players in both 2018, Jermaine Johnson (Georgia), and 2021, Jeffrey M’Ba (Auburn).
After serving on an interim basis in the past month since the resignation of Jason Martin who departed to Western Kentucky (NCAA D1), Donerson was given the permanent title on Friday by Athletic Director Melissa Anderson and President Vincent Bowhay.
“After a nationwide coaching search, Coach Donerson rose to the top,” said Anderson. “He has proven himself to be a well-rounded coach through his vast knowledge of football, his network of coaches, and the love he has for his players. He is a coach who is nationally sought-after and will continue to build the Pirate football team with values and integrity.”
Donerson brings over thirty years of coaching experience at the college and high school levels in both Kansas and California. He has previously served as a Head Coach, a Defensive Coordinator, and a position coach on both sides of the ball. In California, Donerson helped produce 12 future NFL players including Richard Sherman (CB, Seattle Seahawks), Jeron Johnson (SS, Washington Redskins), Altraun Vernon (CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Chilo Rachal (OL, Chicago Bears) and LaJuan Ramsey (DT, Philadelphia Eagles).
Last year in 2022, Donerson was awarded the Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Award. The honor recognizes individuals who consistently demonstrate greatness through service and love. It is awarded to one ICC staff member each year.
President Bowhay echoed Anderson’s confidence in Donerson to lead the Pirates to success on the gridiron.
“Coach Donerson’s ability to connect with students and the community, and the way he coaches young men set him apart during our search,” Bowhay said. “I’m excited to see the difference he will make in the lives of our student-athletes on and off the field.”