The following is a press release from the Connecticut Sun:
Anne Donovan was introduced as the new head coach of the Connecticut Sun during a press conference Thursday afternoon at Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Theatre.
Currently the head coach at Seton Hall University, Donovan will resign from
that position and begin her new duties with the Sun at the conclusion of
“I am really excited to join the Connecticut Sun, one of the premier
franchises in the WNBA,” Donovan said Thursday. “The leadership team of
Mitchell Etess and Chris Sienko has built a winning tradition in a
fan-friendly environment that offers one of the best home court advantages
in the WNBA. I am excited to coach and lead this talented roster of players
on the Sun’s quest for a WNBA championship.”
Donovan brings an impressive resume to Connecticut.
A member of the 1995 Naismith Hall of Fame class, she won Olympic gold
medals as both a player (1984 and ’88) and coach (2008). In 1999, she was
one of 26 inductees into the inaugural Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Her WNBA coaching career includes a championship with the Seattle Storm in
2004, an appearance in the Finals with the Charlotte Sting in 2001 and a
total of seven playoff berths with three teams over 10 years. She has an
overall regular season record of 167-150 (.527).
"We are absolutely thrilled to bring someone of Anne's caliber to the
Connecticut Sun,” team Vice President and General Manager Chris Sienko
said. “Anne is a proven winner as both an athlete and as a coach. Our team
will benefit greatly from her experience as we move into a new era."
A native of Ridgewood, N.J., the 6-foot-8 Donovan went on to a storied
career as star center at Old Dominion, where she was a three-time Kodak
All-American (1981-83), two-time Academic All-American (1982-83) and
Naismith Trophy winner (1983). She helped the Monarchs win the 1980 AIAW
National Championship, and graduated with the ODU career records for points
(2,710) and rebounds (1976). Her 801 blocked shots are still an NCAA
record.
“This is an extremely exciting day for the Connecticut Sun,” team CEO
Mitchell Etess said. “Anne is someone who has achieved remarkable success
as both a player and coach, and there is no doubt she is the right person
to guide us as we begin our 11th season in the WNBA."
