Already a household name up in the Section 4 Binghamton region, 6'1" guard Kaci Donovan (Owego Free Academy '20) put herself on the national stage this AAU season by shining on the 16u Nike EYBL level with the prestigious Philly Belles program.

It was a proving ground summer for Donovan who finally got the opportunity to show what she can do against some of the biggest and best names in the country, opening the eyes of Division 1 college coaches with her impressive skill set and versatility.

When she decided to make the move and play for the Philly Belles for the AAU season it was the moment where things on a major level get real for Donovan. She believed in herself and her ability to be able to play against the very best that she knew she would see, with the season also she said making her a better and more prepared player.

"It definitely has pushed me because the competition is crazy, my teammates are amazing, and everyone is really just so good that it showed me a lot on how to become the player I definitely want to be," Donovan said.

Maybe the most impressive aspect of her game that Donovan proved was that at 6'1" she would be able to play and thrive as a lead guard on a very high level. Having played the point guard position for most of her life growing up, Donovan knew that at her 6'1" size if she was able to be able to create and be a strong facilitator on the EYBL level that nothing would really be able to hold her back.

Her size was a major advantage because as she admitted it’s rare for defenders to see someone at her height be so comfortable handling the ball, but at the same time Donovan felt as if her decision making and ability to create in traffic have enhanced her play at the point as well.

Playing as the playmaker is where Donovan feels her future is, but she says she is just as comfortable playing off the ball in the backcourt, of even posting up when the situation calls for it as her versatility has made her someone who stood out each time on the court for the Belles.

Holding over 20 Division 1 scholarships, Donovan said she has already taken unofficial visits to Penn State and LaSalle, with many more soon to come as her game continues to take off as she has proven to be a high-major D1 talent after an eye-opening summer.

Not content though with where she is, Donovan says she is thrilled by all the college attention she is already receiving but is going to go back to work in the gym and commit herself to becoming an even better player for her upcoming junior season at OFA.

"It's overwhelming at times but at the same time it's motivation to keep playing even harder because I know I have a target on my back," Donovan stated. "I'm ready though and excited to go out and continue showing what I can do."