“It puts the simple game of basketball in perspective. On behalf of our organization, our thoughts and prayers and condolences are with Anne’s family and friends. I was fortunate to follow in Anne’s footsteps here. Her legacy in the game of basketball has deep roots, not only as a player but as a coach at multiple levels, including USA Basketball. It puts in perspective the game tonight. We lost such a great pioneer for the game of women’s basketball. She will be missed but her legacy will live on. She has touched this game at so many levels.” – Curt Miller on the passing of Anne Donovan.
“My thoughts and prayers go to her family. That’s not something you can prepare for. She was great. She’s the reason I’m here. She’s the first coach in the league that really gave me an opportunity to be myself and I’m forever going to be grateful to her for that.” – Jasmine Thomas on the passing of Anne Donovan.
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
“We were struggling as a team at the point when she was the coach, and she gave us that fierce mentality that we should be proud to be the Connecticut Sun basketball team. We should be proud to represent. She made us fighters. Alyssa Thomas and I were rookies, and she was our first coach. She empowered us. The Alyssa Thomas you see who is tough on the glass and pushes, she gave Alyssa confidence. She gave me confidence. She was there for me despite my injuries. So just having that foundation was everything to me.” – Chiney Ogwumike on the passing of Anne Donovan.
RIP Coach Donovan! Thank you for always believing in us. We will make you proud. ❤️🙏🏿 @ConnecticutSun
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) June 14, 2018
“She is one of the reasons why I am here in Connecticut. She gave me a chance and really pushed me as a player.” – Alyssa Thomas on the loss of Anne Donovan.