We were shocked and saddened upon hearing the news about Anne Donovan on Wednesday. Together we attended a high school graduation that night and had both just walked out of the Constant Center where her jersey hangs in the rafters. A security guard casually noted, “Anne Donovan died.” It’s the type of sentence you think you heard wrong. Anne Donovan, 56, is dead?
Perhaps no picture captures the pioneer days of women’s basketball more than the shot that was the first image fans saw in the now-torn-down Old Dominion field house, one in which Anne, is the tower, sandwiched between Nancy Lieberman and Inge Nissen. The three Lady Monarchs are perhaps the most beloved legends in the program.
Make no mistake, though. While Donovan was a pioneer in the game, we firmly believe her game belongs in the annals next to the likes of Sheryl Swoopes and Diana Taurasi. Donovan is the sport’s all-time leading shot blocker, even bettering Brittney Grinerm who finished with 748; Donovan swatted 801, but the NCAA does not recognize the two years the Ridgewood, N.J., native played in the AIAW.
Here’s a sampling of remembrances from Lady Monarchs.
Social media can be used for multiple reasons, but I have to use it today to share one of many great college memories. Coach Anne Donovan, my Coach D. was an extraordinary lady! Through all her accolades, she remained humble. Many may have been in awestruck due to her height, but after having a conversation with her, you would immediately fall in love.
I have to share with you something special we had. Before every game, Coach Larry would give her final pep talk on the bench, the players and coaches would give high fives and pass on words of encouragement before the team would take the floor for the jump ball. Coach D. and I would ALWAYS touch hands. She would grab my hands as if we were praying, but she would give me THAT LOOK and it was GAME TIME! I always felt the connection between her and I and her touch was “The hands of GOLD!” Then 2 time GOLD MEDAL Olympian! I knew I was ready! I will be forever grateful the time I spent with My Coach D!
Deanna Benish
It is impossible to put into words exactly what this woman meant to me personally. Coach D was a woman that you couldn’t help but admire. She gave so much of herself to you in her interactions, and despite her world class talent and skill, her strongest attributes were one-on-one. She always made me feel special. I am lighting a candle tonight in her honor, because SHE was so very special!!
Sarah Willyerd
She is the one person who brought out the best in everyone on our team. I know all of my fellow team members are feeling the loss of this remarkable woman. Peace to all and especially to you Coach D. John Chester said it best, it was an absolute pleasure to have known Coach D.
Mery Andrade
She made it seem so easy… RIP Coach D 
Nicole Freudig
RIP Anne Donovan. You were an inspiration on and off the court…a legend in more ways than one. You will be missed 
💔
😢
Abigail Pacache
My heart hurts💔#RestInPeaceAnneDonovan
My Coach D… I am beyond grateful and blessed to have been coached by you.
Old Dominion Women’s Basketball 1992-93 CAA Conference Champions
Nikki McCray
Anne Donovan was a wonderful person and a great human being. She impacted our game and touched many lives along the way including mine. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Donovan family. #Legendary
Allison Greene
Devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Annie D… Gone too soon…
Kelly Bradley
Devastated to hear of the sudden passing of Coach Anne Donovan. Prays to her family and all of the lady monarchs. I love you all!
Alisa Scott
Wow…just Wow! About to lay it down and decide to see what all the ODU messages were about and see this..in disbelief. Condolences to the Donovan Family and to all of us who she touched.. RIP ATD
Adrienne Goodson
Annika Holopainen
Rest In Peace Anne Donovan 
#legend
Taylor Edwards
RIP 
Kelly Loftus
So sad, Old Dominion legend, I remember when she came to our practices my first year at ODU. RIP legend 
best.https://twitter.com/NancyLieberman/status/1007069715603304449
I love you my sister. @ODUSports #RIPAnnieD pic.twitter.com/dqICmWbyNV
— Nancy Lieberman (@NancyLieberman) June 14, 2018
WOW!!! I’m numb right now!! Coach D recruited me to ODU!! She was my assistant coach!! SO SAD!! #RIP 🙏🏽https://t.co/NVDuszQlkQ
— Ticha Penicheiro (@TichaPenicheiro) June 14, 2018