Stanley B. Cromartie, a native of Bradenton, Florida, is an accomplished athletics administrator and former collegiate athlete with a distinguished record in sports leadership, coaching, and program development.
Career in Athletic Administration
From 2018 to 2025, Cromartie served as Athletic Director at Polk State College, where he became the institution’s first African American to hold the position. His tenure was marked by innovation and growth — including the launch of a new athletics website, the introduction of livestreaming for all home events, and the establishment of a partnership with Under Armour. He strengthened the Polk State Athletic Foundation, increasing its assets from $25,000 to $80,000, and emphasized academic excellence, as evidenced by 136 student-athletes earning FCSAA All-Academic honors under his leadership.
Before joining Polk State, Cromartie was appointed the eighth full-time Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Edward Waters College (EWC) in 2017, following prior service as Interim Athletic Director (2014) and Associate Athletic Director (2010–2014). At EWC, he revitalized campus spirit through “Tiger Pride” initiatives that unified students, alumni, and staff. He also created the university’s first “Alumni Weekend,” which evolved into a major annual fundraising event. Cromartie’s business acumen helped secure record-breaking financial gains for EWC athletics, including guarantee-game revenues of $65,000 against Alcorn State (2013) and $75,000 against Tennessee State (2014).
Playing Career and Achievements
Cromartie’s basketball career began at Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota) in 1982 under Coach Harry Kinnan. As a freshman, he averaged 12 points and four assists per game, contributing to a school-record win total. As a sophomore, he averaged 17 points and four assists, earning All-Suncoast Conference honors in 1984. His legacy was later honored with induction into both the State College of Florida Hall of Fame (2015) and the Florida College System Activities Association Hall of Fame (2018).
He continued his playing career at Webber International University on a full basketball scholarship, where he led the Warriors to a 29–1 record, a District 25 Championship, and a No. 2 national ranking in the NAIA Men’s Basketball Tournament during the 1985–86 season. That year, he set a program record with 119 assists.
A 1990 graduate of Edward Waters College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Cromartie made history as the youngest head men’s basketball coach in school history at just 25 years old.
Coaching and Leadership
Cromartie’s coaching journey extended to several programs, including assistant roles at Bethune-Cookman University and South Carolina State University, and head coaching positions at Valencia Community College and Seminole Community College. Known for his holistic approach, he emphasized academic achievement, discipline, and character development in every program he led.
In 2014, Cromartie returned to coaching as head coach of the EWC women’s softball program. The following year, he guided the Lady Tigers to a historic 34–13–1 record — the best in program history — capturing both the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships. The team’s 29–3 record against HBCU opponents earned them a nomination for “Women’s Team of the Year” at the 2015 HBCU Awards.
Personal Life
Cromartie is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Gamma Pi Chapter). He is married to Doretta Clemons and is the father of two children: Kiara Mays-Cromartie and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a former NFL Pro Bowl defensive back for the New York Giants.
