Anne Donovan - Coaching Career

Coaching Career

Upon her retirement as a player, she became an assistant coach at ODU from 1989–1995, then head coach at East Carolina University from 1995–1997, reaching the Colonial Athletic Association finals against her alma mater, Old Dominion. Her coaching career moved to the pro ranks via a brief stint with the American Basketball League's Philadelphia Rage in 1997–1998. As the ABL folded, she joined the rival WNBA as an assistant coach for the expansion Indiana Fever. With coach Nell Fortner leading the U.S. Olympic team, Donovan served as interim head coach for the Fever for the 2000 season. She then led the Charlotte Sting to the WNBA Finals in 2001, losing to the Los Angeles Sparks. In 2002, she led the Sting o an 18-14 record, losing to the Washington Mystics in the first round of playoffs.

Donovan was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995, and as part of the inaugural class of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.

In 2003, Donovan was hired as the second head coach of the Seattle Storm, inheriting a team with two number one draft picks from 2001 and 2002, the Australian Lauren Jackson and University of Connecticut star Sue Bird. In her first year, Donovan's team narrowly missed the playoffs, but in 2004, after Donovan became director of player personnel and added Betty Lennox, the Storm earned the city of Seattle its first national championship in 25 years.

In the 2005 season, in which Donovan became the first female coach to win 100 games, the Storm made the playoffs but lost in the first round. At season's end, Donovan's contract was extended to keep her in Seattle for several years.

With her 120th victory on August 6, 2006, she became the coach with the third most WNBA victories, passing former Los Angeles Sparks coach Michael Cooper. She trails only Van Chancellor and Richie Adubato in victories.

On November 30, 2007 Anne resigned from her position of head coach of the Seattle Storm.

On April 28, 2009 Anne was appointed as an Assistant Coach for the New York Liberty. She assumed the title of Interim Head Coach of the Liberty on July 31, 2009, replacing former head coach Pat Coyle.

On March 31, 2010 Donovan was announced as the head coach of Seton Hall Pirates woman's team.

On November 6, 2010 Donovan recorded her first win as the head coach of Seton Hall's women's team as the Pirates defeated the Temple Owls by a score of 72-59 at Walsh Gymnasium.