Stephen McDonald joined the Western Carolina men's basketball staff prior to the 2014-15 season as the Director of Basketball Operations. He had served as a student manager for the men's basketball program for the previous four seasons prior to taking the role.
McDonald came to Cullowhee after serving in the United States Marine Corps for five years. He served on two overseas deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, working as a turret gunner on a Humvee. Throughout his time he served as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the WASP UAV spy plane, vehicle commander for the base's quick reaction force, and the non-commissioned officer in charge of the military entrance point and internal security of the largest military base in the southern Helmand Province of Afghanistan.
He received a meritorious mast for outstanding performance, while also receiving three meritorious promotions while serving. He was awarded the National Defense medal, Global War on Terror Service medal, Iraq Campaign medal, Afghanistan Campaign medal, Navy Unit Citation, Good Conduct medal. Sea Service medal, NATO ISAF medal and Presidential Unit Citation.
Following his active duty assignment, McDonald served for three years in the reserves while working on his degree at Western Carolina. He ended his military career with the rank of Sergeant.
While in high school, McDonald played for former Western Carolina assistant coach Dustin Ford at Jackson High School in Jackson, Ohio. He served as team captain his senior year in golf, basketball and track. Following his playing days, he served as an assistant coach and statistician for one season at JHS.
McDonald is a native of Jackson, Ohio, but currently resides in Waynesville, N.C. He graduated from Western Carolina with a degree in sport management and a minor in coaching in 2016.
