double doubles and averaging 11 points , nine rebounds , and two blocks earning All-State this year and All- Conference honors for the second consecutive season . She set some records on the hardwood as well with a school record 10 blocks versus Batesville while finishing her career fourth in career rebounds with 511 .
Douglas loves the team aspect of basketball . “ I love how your team can be your family , and how you can find amazing people ,” she said . “ My favorite memory in basketball was when I first walked into the gym in 9th grade and they all made me feel welcomed .”
Lady Raider basketball coach Kevin Frisbee says he is always amazed at what she can do . “ She ’ s one of the most gifted athletes I ’ ve been around and definitely the most explosive post player I ’ ve coached ,” he said . “ She did things at times that were pretty remarkable , especially for someone who didn ’ t pick up a ball until 9th grade . Donna ’ s passion is track and field , but I was always impressed with how much she watched film , asked questions , and wanted to get things right in basketball . A lot of players aren ’ t that way when it comes to something that isn ’ t their main sport .” Douglas feels that certain aspects of basketball help her with her throws . “ Yeah , I use my athleticism from basketball to help my glide ,” she explained .
Going into her senior season in the circle , Douglas feels she has much more to give . “ As a senior , it ’ s my responsibility to keep the young ones ' heads up and stay focused and positive about the main goal we have for each sport ,” she shared . With holding all the state records in her events , Douglas is only chasing herself when it comes to track and field , but that is not stopping her from setting new goals . “ When I have a goal , I am very determined to accomplish that goal and make sure I am doing the steps to get to my goal ,” she said . “ My parents and coaches all kept my head focused on the main goal when there were times I was struggling .”
Douglas ’ coaches raved about her when asked . “ Donna is full of life . Her energy is infectious and she ’ s someone who ’ s hard to stay mad at ,” Coach Frisbee said . “ We love Donna , and we ’ re going to miss having her around the gym and on the floor . We are super excited to see how she does at Tennessee .”
Coach Lovins agrees , “ Donna has been a fun athlete to coach since the day she came to tryouts in 10th grade . She is a fun person to be around and , most of the time , likes to play around , joke , and have fun ; but she takes a very serious approach to throwing . That , along with her natural combination of size , strength , and athleticism , has led to her accomplishing everything she has so far . I personally , along with all of Raider Nation and the entire state of Arkansas , am excited to see what this season holds for Donna , as well as her future as a track and field athlete at the University of Tennessee .”
With so much already accomplished , it might be easy for Donna Douglas to coast through her senior year before heading off to Knoxville , but Douglas isn ’ t built that way . She wants to defend her titles , break some more records , and leave a lasting legacy for those coming behind her at Nettleton . Douglas knows that while this season may be the end of her illustrious high school career , it starts another chapter with brand new goals ready to be obtained .