Reports From LBSU
 

Former Long Beach City College women’s coach and long-time faculty member Donna Prindle has been named the physical educator of the year by the California Community College Physical Educators (CCCPE).

 

Each year at the CCCAA spring convention, the CCCPE honor members of its profession for their dedication and commitment. Prindle will receive a plaque at the “Honoring our Own” luncheon on April 1 at the Doubletree Airport Hotel in Ontario.

 

“Donna has many accomplishments within our profession as a coach, instructor, and student advocate,” said Kathy McGinnis, CCCPE president. “She is one of the backbones of the physical education department at Long Beach City College and continues to be active in her community.”

 

Since coming to LBCC in 1977, Prindle has been a major contributor to the women’s athletic program. She’s currently in her 33rd year with the college and served as head coach of the LBCC women’s volleyball team for 20 years before stepping down following the 2002 season. She also served as women’s basketball head coach for 12 seasons from 1976-1988.

 

“Donna has reached so many people in so many different ways,” said LBCC women’s athletic director Connie Sears. “From students, to athletes, to their parents, to our staff, and even to the outside community, Donna has always given her all to help others. She’s been a pioneer in women’s athletics for us here at LBCC and has been a mentor to new coaches and faculty members.”

 

Sears, who headed the nomination push for Prindle, says it was a complete team effort, not only at LBCC, but at nearby Cerritos College.

 

“Donna also teaches part-time at Cerritos, so it was great that we were able to get nominations from her colleagues at both institutions for her,” Sears said.

 

Prindle has been a leader in the development of athletics as a member of the statewide task force for the CCCAA Commission on Athletics and as past president of the California Community College Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. She also served on the Long Beach Parks and Recreation sports advisory board and has been a conference presenter at the state meeting for Physical Education and Athletic Professional Association and at Sport and Law Day which was sponsored by the Amateur Athletic Foundation. Prindle recently has focused her efforts on helping the rabbits on the campus of LBCC and has coordinated numerous programs to aid servicemen and women overseas.