The sophomore guard was a key performer in the Lions’ drive to the District 1 2A championship, averaging 11.8 ppg and 3.5 apg (including seven assists in the district final) and converting a team-leading 41 treys. She tallied 36 points in the Lions’ two PIAA 2A state tournament games this past season, and last year hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer in the second round of States to put Sacred Heart into the Elite 8 for the first time in program history. Sacred Heart head coach Zach Shuler said, “Megan is fearless — always looking to drive among the trees and willing to take the biggest shot in the game – hard-working and a fierce competitor. She stays in tremendous shape by constantly working on her game in the offseason and going game speed in every practice drill. She is a player who can see the play develop before it happens. This comes from her aggressive nature and attack mentality. It definitely showed in the district championship game — knowing that the opponent was going to try and limit her scoring, Megan made the right plays offensively, setting up her teammates after driving to commit the help defense.”
Q: What aspect(s) of your game have you worked on most recently?
A: Going into this season, I definitely worked on my shot with a goal of improving my field goal and free throw percentages. However, recently I am focusing much more on my defensive fundamentals so I can make more of an impact on that side of the floor.
Q: What do you think was the biggest key to Sacred Heart winning another district basketball championship this past winter?
A: We focused on bringing the intensity on both sides of the floor. Coming off of a loss in the district final last year also gave our team a lot of motivation to bring back our title.
Q: What has been your favorite experience this season as a Sacred Heart basketball player?
A: My favorite experience this season was strengthening the bond with my teammates, and spending time with them. I will really miss the seniors, and am so lucky to have played with them. This year our team was entered in the Catholic Academy League, and I enjoyed competing in these games. It was also great to experience my first district championship with the team.
Q: Last year, you made the game-winning 3 pointer at the buzzer in the second round of states vs Line Mountain to put Sacred Heart in the Elite 8 of States for the first time in school history. Can you describe that play as it developed, and share with us your first thoughts when the ball went through the hoop?
A: My teammates did a great job of grabbing the rebound, and finding me down the court. It was exciting making school history by getting to the Elite 8 for the first time, and we want to make it even further next year.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in competitive basketball – have you always been a guard?
A: I started playing basketball in first grade, and have always been a guard. At a young age, I learned how to handle the ball and read the floor, which allowed me to grow and develop.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 13 for Sacred Heart basketball – is there a reason you chose that number?
A: I chose this number in 5th grade for my first CYO basketball season, because it was my sister’s number, and I have worn it ever since.
Q: Who have been your top basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: I have been fortunate to have coaches that have been passionate about the game. They have pushed and challenged me to improve in many ways. I greatly appreciate the opportunity Coach Shuler has given me to play. He has taught me the importance of playing with a positive mindset and staying aggressive. The confidence he has had in me has helped me build confidence in myself.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Sacred Heart?
A: My favorite academic courses are Math and World History. I also enjoy writing.
Fun facts – Megan Donahoe
Favorite book: Wonder.
Favorite author: J.K. Rowling.
Favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls.
Favorite movie: The Notebook.
Favorite athlete: Caitlin Clark.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Can’t Hold Us by Mackelmore.
Favorite team: Phillies.
Favorite place to visit: “The beach with my family.”
Favorite pre-game meal: “An apple and a granola bar.”
Person I most admire, and why: “My mom and dad because they have always been my biggest supporters.”
Family members: parents Matt and Nicole, sisters Macy and Mandy.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
