November 20, 2009
Storm coach Anne Donovan resigns
By Associated Press
SEATTLE (AP) - Coach Anne Donovan surprised the Seattle Storm by abruptly resigning Friday after five successful seasons that included a WNBA championship.
Donovan, the coach of the U.S. women's national team who was also Seattle's director of player personnel, said she wanted new challenges beyond the Storm. She had one season remaining on a three-year contract.
"After five years and a great experience with the Storm, I have decided it's time for a change and a new direction in my career, an opportunity for me to explore new experiences," Donovan, 46, said Friday afternoon. "The level of support the fans in Seattle have shown for the Storm has been incredible. I will miss it, but feel I am making the right decision."
Donovan, who became the second coach in Storm history in 2002 after two seasons leading the Charlotte Sting, coached Seattle to a regular-season record of 93-77 (.547) and to four playoff appearances. That included the league championship in 2004 - Seattle's second major professional sports title in the last half-century. In 2005, she became the first female coach in the WNBA to win 100 games. Last season, she became the second-winningest coach in league history.
The Storm are left surprised and scrambling in a period that already was one of transition. Seattle has just three players under contract for next season, with star guard Sue Bird primed to leave as a free agent.
Now it needs a new coach, too.
"We weren't expecting Anne's decision but respect it and are prepared to move on with the search for a new head coach," Storm chief operating officer Karen Bryant said. "I've enjoyed the last five years with Anne and will always treasure the championship experience we shared. She helped bring the franchise to new heights and we will certainly miss her."
Clay Bennett, chairman of the NBA's SuperSonics and its sister team the Storm, had regrets.
"We regrettably accept Anne Donovan's resignation as head coach and director of player personnel and wish her the very best," said Bennett, who announced this fall that the well-supported Storm would remain in Seattle next year even though the Sonics are seeking to leave for the 2008-09 season. "She has been an integral part of the Storm's success over the past five seasons and will forever be remembered for bringing a WNBA championship to Seattle in 2004."
The team said that Bryant will immediately lead the search for a new coach, with Sonics president Danny Barth assisting.
"Her successor will have a tremendous opportunity to shape the Storm's future," Bryant said, noting the lack of players signed for 2008.