Following a successful playing career at MACU, Donald Thorne enters his first season as a member of the 2008-2009 coaching staff. Thorne's primary duties are to assist with the junior varsity squad and serve as second assistant on Coach Holley's staff.

Thorne hopes to help the Evangels continue their winning tradition of his playing days as a four-year starter from 2004-2008. He was twice named to the Southwest Region All-Regional Team. He is the current Evangel record holder in blocks (55) and is a member of the Thousand Point Club.

Thorne was starting forward on the 2006-2007 NCCAA Division II National Championship squad. In the inaugural season of membership in the Sooner Athletic Conference in 2007-2008, Thorne ranked seventh in the conference in total rebounding, fifth in offensive rebounding, seventh in double-doubles, and tenth in defensive rebounding. His senior season, he shot a team leading 44 percent from the three-point line.

When reflecting on his playing days at MACU, Thorne views the four years as a time in which he was not only able to grow as a basketball player, but more importantly as a person, particularly in his spiritual life. He hopes to be able to share his experiences with current players and help them grow both on and off the court.

Thorne is scheduled to graduate in May 2009 from Mid-America Christian University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He is the father of two sons: Payton and Omari.