As the crowd cheered and prepared to launch confetti, the moment was delayed when two of Donovan’s necklaces jammed the zipper of her black jacket. Later, Donovan showed off a navy blue Duke T-shirt.
Donovan, who ESPN ranks as the nation’s third best recruit in its class of 2023, announced her commitment to play for Duke after her senior year.
“The basketball program is very serious, but the school and the environment, the people are there to get a great education,” said the six-foot Donovan. It’s a place to learn.”
Donovan decided to attend Duke University shortly after visiting Durham, North Carolina, in late July.during a conversation with Coach Carla Lawson from AlexandriaLawson said Duke could help Donovan achieve her goals of playing professionally, competing on Team USA, and becoming a sports broadcaster.
“This is the best option for you,” Donovan recalled Lawson saying. “I think I’m the best coach for you.”
Donovan’s basketball journey began when she was 9 years old, co-ed at the DuPont Park Adventist Church League in southeastern Washington. She endured church services in anticipation of Saturday night games and daily shootouts.
Donovan shined against the boys, and her coach nicknamed her “The Star.” Donovan didn’t realize her talent until she won all the trophies at Bowie’s Summer Camp during her sixth grade. Her camp facilitator and former Syracuse star Lawrence Morten motivated Donovan to join her competitive team.
Donovan’s parents, on the other hand, encouraged her to focus on her studies and explained how injuries could end her basketball career. I’m here.
Her basketball profile grew when she appeared on ESPN’s recruiting rankings as a freshman.
Donovan won last season Top Team All Met Honors After averaging 15.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. Sidwell won his 30–0 victory and finished as the country’s top-ranked team. First State Champions Invitational Florida in April.
This is the second year in a row Sidwell has been ranked in the top three in her class by ESPN. Kiki rice last year, Freshmen at UCLAwas the second-ranked recruit in the nation. The trend of producing top talent will continue. ESPN ranks Sidwell his forward Kendall Dudley as his fourth best recruit in his 2024 class.
Donovan also considered Arizona, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Tennessee and UCLA. Her future coach, Lawson, transferred to West Springfield after playing for Sidwell Friends in her freshman year. 1999 All Met Player of the Year.
Duke hired Lawson, an assistant for the U.S. Women’s team, in July 2020 and finished 17-13 last season. The Blue Devils last qualified for the NCAA Tournament in her 2018, but most recently she has been a local favorite, including her sophomore Lee Volker, who graduated from Paul VI in 2021. Attracting talent.
“When I was young, I dreamed really big,” said Donovan. “Now, it means a lot to me to fulfill that childhood dream.”
