New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - The New York Liberty have announced that Anne Donovan will take over as the team's head coach on a permanent basis Wednesday.

Donovan took over for the fired Pat Coyle in the middle of the 2009 season and went 7-10 during the remainder of the campaign. She becomes the fourth head coach in the team's history.

"There's no question that Anne is one of the most respected coaches in our game," said team president and general manager Carol Blazejowski. "Her experience and leadership skills as both a player and a coach will be invaluable as we battle to get the franchise back to its proper place at the top of the WNBA."

Donovan, who became an assistant coach of the Liberty on April 28, 2009, started her coaching career in the WNBA as interim head coach with the Indiana Fever in 2000.

Donovan also held head-coaching positions with the Charlotte Sting (2001-2002) and the Seattle Storm (2003-2007).

"I am very excited to be returning to the Liberty and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead," Donovan said. "(I) have confidence that our team will be back on track next summer."

As a player, Donovan was a Naismith Award winner and three-time All-American selection at Old Dominion. She also won gold medals with the 1984 and 1988 U.S. Olympic Teams.

The Liberty finished 13-21 last season overall, which was the worst record in the Eastern Conference.