Anne Donovan, who starred on a national college championship team and later won Olympic gold medals as a player and coach, died Wednesday at age 56 of heart failure.

Donovan's family issued a statement noting her achievements, but praising her "character, integrity, humility and kindness.”

“While it is extremely difficult to express how devastating it is to lose Anne, our family remains so very grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful human being,” the statement read. “Anne touched many lives as a daughter, sister, aunt, friend and coach. Anne was a person with strong faith, courageous spirit, a giving heart and love for everyone.

"We are so proud of her accomplishments as a women’s’ basketball player and coach, but even more proud of her character, integrity, humility and kindness.”

The basketball community immediately reacted to the news on social media, remembering Donovan's character and contributions to the sport.

"Prayers up for Anne Donovan's family," former U.S. team member Sheryl Swoopes tweeted. "Words can't express what she meant to our game! You will be missed!"

ESPN college basketball writer Mechelle Voepel called it "devastating news."

"Anne Donovan had an enormous impact on American sports. … She touched countless lives and greatly moved women's basketball forward. … Anyone who crossed paths with Anne Donovan is crushed by this awful news. She was a kind, thoughtful person who gave so much to basketball."

The 6-8 Donovan dominated women's basketball in the early 1980s, leading Old Dominion to three Finals Fours and a national championship in 1980. She also won Olympic gold medals with the U.S. team in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics and played professionally in Europe and Japan.

Donovan also made her mark in the coaching ranks, winning a WNBA title with the Seattle Storm in 2004. She also coached the U.S. women's team to gold in the 2008 games. Overall, Donovan posted a 205-214 WNBA mark in 13 seasons. She also coached collegiately as an assistant at ODU and served stints as the head coach at East Carolina and Seton Hall.

Donovan was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995.