New Jersey Institute of Technology Athletics

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." 

Prior to NJIT: Comes to NJIT from John Hersey High School, where she was a four-year varsity basketball standout, two-year team captain, and one of Illinois' top all-around players. Finished her career with 1,024 points, 444 rebounds, 369 assists, and a school-record 353 steals, while also setting Hersey single-season (127) and single-game (11) steals records. Led the Huskies to four IHSA Regional Championships, four 20-plus win seasons, and a fourth-place finish at the IHSA 4A State Tournament.  A two-time IBCA 4A All-State selection, three-time Daily Herald All-Area and MSL All-Conference honoree, Donovan was named the 2026 H. Louis Schultz Athlete of the Year, Hersey's Leader of the Pack, and earned the Leadership Award at the 2026 IHSA 3A/4A North All-Star Game. Played AAU basketball for Wolverinas 2026 and was also a standout four-year varsity lacrosse player, earning two IHSA All-State selections, two-time MSL East Offensive Player of the Year and finishing with more than 100 career goals.

Personal: Kathryn "Kate" Taffe Donovan. ... daughter of Carrie and Bob Donovan. ... excelled academically, earning High Honors and the All-Academic Senior Athlete Award. intends to major in communication and media.