Donna Andrews, an alumna and leader within the University of the Virgin Islands Athletics department, has etched her name in basketball history. Last week, she was inducted as one of the two Virgin Islanders into the Paradise Jam Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s twenty-five-year history celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A UVI Athletic Leader
Andrews, a cornerstone of UVI Athletics since 1998, is currently the Senior Woman Leader and Administrator. Her responsibilities are vast, encompassing the management of the Eldrige W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center, coordinating intercollegiate travel for student-athletes, and overseeing essential department logistics. Her relationship with the Paradise Jam began in 2000 when UVI hosted the college basketball tournament.
Nels Hawkinson, co-founder and executive director of Basketball Travelers, Inc., which organizes the annual Paradise Jam, praised Andrews for her dedication and hard work. “Donna Andrews’ induction into the Paradise Jam Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of her tireless work behind the scenes,” he stated. He emphasized her role as the “unseen force” that has ensured the tournament’s success for over two decades. “Donna’s dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment have shaped countless successes, often without the spotlight she so richly deserves,” Hawkinson added.
UVI’s Director of Athletics, Dr. Karen Carty, echoed these sentiments. She describes Andrews as “the glue that holds the UVI Athletics Department together.”
The announcement of her induction was a heartfelt surprise during the tournament’s opening reception. “Over the years, we have developed a camaraderie and friendship with the Paradise Jam team, and it is an amazing feeling and an honor to be recognized for my role in this partnership,” she reflected. “On a professional level, it’s an honor to have Division I basketball teams appear on our court and to showcase UVI and our state-of-the-art facility on a national stage.”
Andrews’ connection to UVI runs deep. She is a proud alumna and earned an Associate of Arts in Management, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management, and a Master of Public Administration from UVI.