Sun name Anne Donovan head coach

Jan 3, 2013 - 8:38 PM Uncasville, CT (Sports Network) - Anne Donovan was introduced as the new head coach of the Connecticut Sun at a press conference on Thursday.

Donovan is currently in charge of the Seton Hall women's program, but she will resign from that position and begin her WNBA duties at the conclusion of the 2013 college basketball season.

She will replace former coach Mike Thibault, who was let go after the Sun were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Indiana Fever.

"I am really excited to join the Connecticut Sun, one of the premier franchises in the WNBA," Donovan said. "The leadership team of (CEO) Mitchell Etess and (vice president/general manager) Chris Sienko has built a winning tradition in a fan-friendly environment that offers one of the best home court advantages in the WNBA. I am excited to coach and lead this talented roster of players on the Sun's quest for a WNBA Championship."

Donovan brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Sun. She owns a 167-150 record over 10 WNBA seasons with Indiana, Charlotte, Seattle and New York, including a title in 2004 with the Storm and an appearance in the WNBA finals with Charlotte in 2001.

Donovan also has seven playoff berths under her belt.

The Ridgewood, New Jersey native also had a storied playing career at Old Dominion, where she was a three-time Kodak All-American (1981-83), two-time Academic All-American (1982-83) and Naismith Trophy winner (1983).

"This is an extremely exciting day for the Connecticut Sun," Etess said. "Anne is someone who has achieved remarkable success as both a player and a coach, and there is no doubt she is the right person to guide us as we begin our 11th season in the WNBA."