Playing Career:
* Dominant College Player: She led Old Dominion University to an undefeated season and the 1980 NCAA Championship, earning the Most Outstanding Player award.
* First Overall Pick: Donovan was the first overall pick in the 1983 WNBA Draft by the New Jersey Gems.
* WNBA Hall of Famer: A four-time WNBA All-Star, Donovan played for the New Jersey Gems, the Sacramento Monarchs, and the Seattle Storm. She was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
* Olympic Gold: Won a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic Team in 1984.
Coaching Career:
* First Female Head Coach in the NBA: Donovan became the first woman to coach in the NBA when she was hired as an assistant coach for the Seattle SuperSonics in 2001.
* Head Coach in the WNBA: She was the head coach of the Seattle Storm from 2002-2008.
* Other Coaching Roles: Donovan also served as the head coach of the United States women's national basketball team in 2007 and was an assistant coach for the Phoenix Mercury from 2010-2012.
Beyond the Court:
* Advocate for Women's Sports: Donovan was a vocal advocate for women's sports and the importance of equality in athletics.
* Battling Illness: She faced health challenges in recent years, including being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2018.
* Tragic Passing: Anne Donovan passed away on June 13, 2018, at the age of 56.
Anne Donovan's impact on women's basketball was immense. She was a pioneer, a champion, and an inspiration to countless players and fans. Her legacy continues to inspire generations to come.