​NEWARK, NJ–NJIT women's basketball head coach Mike Lane announced a pair of guards – Kate Donovan and Carly Sweazie who will join the Highlanders in 2026-27.

"I am excited to announce Kate Donovan and Carly Sweazie as Highlanders! The two 2026 guards bring intensity, speed and scoring punch to the program. They both come from great basketball backgrounds, their games being forged in two of the toughest high school leagues in the country, the Mid-Suburban League outside Chicago for Kate and the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference in the DC area for Carly. In addition,this past summer Kate competed with the Wolverinas in the Nike Girls EYBL circuit and Carly with the Germantown Lady Panthers in the Girls Under Armour Association circuit. These experiences in those crucibles have prepared them for America East basketball."

Kate Donovan | Guard | 5-5 | Arlington Heights, IL | John Hersey High School
Donovan, a 5-foot-5 guard, joins the Highlanders from Illinois.  Donovan attended John Hersey High School and earned All-State, All-Area and All-Conference honors.  Donovan played for the Wolverinas.

In addition to basketball, Donovan was a member of the women's lacrosse team, earning MSL Player of the Year, All-State, All-Conference, All-Sectional and All-Area honors.

A member of the Honor Roll, Donovan intends to major in Communications at NJIT.

Coach Lane on Donovan: "Kate is a ball of energy on the court, she is most dangerous in transition, a guard who can get to the paint and make the right decision when she gets there. On the defensive side she hawks the ball from endline to endline and sideline to sideline." 

Carly Sweazie | Guard | 5-7 | Ashburn, VA | Bishop O'Connell High School
Sweazie, a 5-foot-7 guard, joins the Highlanders from Virginia.  Sweazie was selected team captain at Bishop O'Connell High School and played AAU for the Germantown Lady Panthers.

She intends to major in Communication at NJIT.

Coach Lane on Sweazie: "Carly is a force of nature on the court and off. She is an explosive athlete who excels in the open floor. She can score at all 3 levels and is an adept passer. Carly brings great presence as a defender; her strength, speed and instincts allow her to guard any matchup."