What Anne Donovan meant to women’s basketball
By Erica Ayala
A Lasting Legacy
The passing of Anne Donovan reminds me how far women’s basketball has come. Donovan and her teammates endured a great deal to make basketball at all level accessible to girls and women. As an athlete and a sportswriter, I am thankful for everything she gave to this beautiful game.
Tonight, two great women’s basketball teams - filled with ridiculously talented players - put on an unbelievable show for almost 6k fans. And they earned a paycheck for it. Pioneers like Anne Donovan are who have to thank for where we are today. A true legend. #RIP
— Amber Cox (@AmberLCox) June 14, 2018
Additionally, I want to take this time to remind fans, writers, coaches, and players to honor Donovan’s legacy not just this week, but always. Further, seek the stories of women like Donovan and Ann Meyers Drysdale about building the modern women’s basketball game from the ground up.
On behalf of my colleagues at High Post Hoops, I offer condolences to Anne Donovan’s family.
Remembering Anne
Here are some reactions across basketball to the news of Anne Donovan passing at the age of 56:
I love you my sister. @ODUSports #RIPAnnieD pic.twitter.com/dqICmWbyNV
— Nancy Lieberman (@NancyLieberman) June 14, 2018
"Nancy Lieberman and Anne Donovan were college teammates at Old Dominion. The pair entered the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame with the inaugural Class of 1999."
Lisa Leslie shares her remembrances of basketball legend Anne Donovan, who died Wednesday at age 56. pic.twitter.com/wKrk1fd0mm
— espnW (@espnW) June 14, 2018
Reaction from @LynxCoachReeve to the tragic loss of Anne Donovan pic.twitter.com/S037jwcZQm
— FOR(E) (@FanSided_Fore) June 14, 2018
"Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve remembers Anne Donovan. The two coached together with the Charlotte Sting."
"We lost a giant in our game."@AtlantaDream play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun, who broadcast Anne Donovan's games at Old Dominion, remembers the legendary player and coach. pic.twitter.com/G2y02LIzwC
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 14, 2018
Thank you for believing in me & bringing me to a place that has become my home. You gave me an opportunity to be myself + be a leader in Connecticut, and for that I’ll forever be grateful. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones. R.I.P. Coach Anne Donovan 🙏🏾❤️😔 pic.twitter.com/fhecX2nVk9
— Jasmine Thomas (@jaszthomas) June 14, 2018
Remembering Anne Donovan and the impact she had as a player and coach. So many memorable moments including this one with Anne at the Acropolis in Athens with 2004 gold medal U.S. Olympic Team. pic.twitter.com/kwZ7MmiznQ
— C. Vivian Stringer (@cvivianstringer) June 14, 2018