Donovan named as second head coach of the Sun

Anne Donovan

UNCASVILLE, Conn.  – Anne Donovan was introduced as the new head coach of the Connecticut Sun during a press conference Thursday afternoon.

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 the 2013 college basketball season.

“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 becomes the second coach in Sun history. She replaces Mike Thibault, who was fired in November after 10 seasons with Connecticut. Thibault guided the Sun to 206-134 regular-season record and eight playoff appearances. The Sun reached the WNBA Finals in 2004 and 2005, and the team advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals five times. He has since been hired as the head coach and general manager of the Washington Mystics.

Donovan is in her third year at Seton Hall and has yet to produce a winning record. But in the WNBA, she has extensive experience. She has coached four teams, leading the New York Liberty, Indiana Fever, Charlotte Sting and Seattle Storm. She coached the Storm to the 2004 WNBA championship over the Sun. In 10 seasons, she led three teams to seven playoff berths and a record of 167-150.

She also coached the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team to a gold medal at the 2008 Bejing Olympics. Thibault was an assistant coach on the U.S. squad.

“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 a center at Old Dominion, where she was a three-time
All-American (1981-83) and Naismith Trophy winner (1983). She helped the Monarchs win the 1980 AIAW national championship.

“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.”

WNBA Season-by Season
Year    Team            Rec         Playoffs
2000    Indiana         9-23
2001    Charlotte     18-14            4-4       WNBA finalist
2002    Charlotte     18-14            0-2
2003    Seattle         18-16
2004    Seattle         20-14            6-2       WNBA champion
2005    Seattle         20-14            1-2
2006    Seattle         18-16            1-2
2007    Seattle         17-17            0-2
2009    New York       7-10
2010    New York       22-12          2-3