CHICAGO – UIC head women's basketball coach Ashleen Bracey announced Monday (May 2) the addition of Mike Donovan as the team's newest assistant coach.
 
"I am beyond blessed for the opportunity to continue to work alongside Mike," said Bracey. "He has been a colleague of mine for six years at the University of Missouri and will bring great value to our staff and our program. He is connector, a strong recruiter and was heavily involved in our game planning and scouting during our time together at Mizzou. Mike brings 10+ years of SEC women's basketball experience and is committed to our vision and building our program with integrity and class."
 
Donovan arrives at UIC following a stint at Lindenwood University as an assistant coach during the 2021-22 campaign. He helped to mentor NCAA Division II All-American and Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year Julia Ruzevich and All-GLVC Team honoree Ellen McCorkle. Donovan frequently delivered the team's defensive game plan for a group that allowed only 68.5 points per game to the opposition and racked 4.2 blocks and 26.3 defensive rebounds per game last season.
 
Prior to his time at Lindenwood, Donovan was on staff at Missouri, where he worked closely with Bracey for six seasons. Donovan was the women's basketball video coordinator from 2013-21, when he managed all facets of Mizzou's film including opponent scouting videos, practice and game film breakdown, and individual film for player development. He also gained experience with on-campus recruiting efforts for the Tigers.
 
Donovan also served as an assistant coach at Eureka College during the 2011-12 season. The Red Devils went 21-5 during Donovan's season on the bench, a 13-game improvement from the previous campaign.
 
A 2011 graduate from Illinois State University, Donovan obtained a Bachelor of Arts in physical education. He also prepared the women's basketball team by serving as a practice player from 2008-11. During his three seasons with the program, the Redbirds reached the semifinal round of the WNIT three times.
 
Donovan earned a Master of Education with an emphasis in Positive Coaching from Mizzou in 2015.