Macalester College women’s basketball head coach AD Donovan has announced that Taylor Pilot will join her staff as Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach. Pilot played for Donovan at Division II Alaska Fairbanks last season.
“I’m incredibly excited to welcome Taylor Pilot to our coaching staff as an assistant coach,” Donovan said. “Taylor was a standout player during her time with me in Alaska—hardworking, intelligent, and highly competitive. She’s someone who truly understands the game and leads by example. Her experience as a high-level point guard, combined with her character and work ethic, will make her an outstanding mentor for our entire team, especially our point guards. I can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have on the program.”
Pilot spent one year at Alaska Fairbanks, averaging 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game over 23 games. She led the Nanooks in assists, registering four or more assists in seven games. Prior to her time in Alaska, Pilot played three seasons at fellow Division II school California State – Stanislaus in Terlock, Calif., registering 508 points and 220 assists in 76 games for the Warriors. She also was named All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) as a sophomore and earned Academic All-District and CCAA All-Academic team honors while at Stanislaus.
Pilot also pursued her interest in coaching as a summer camp coach for four years at CSU-Stanislaus before graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2023. She also earned an MBA in general management from Alaska Fairbanks in May of 2025.
“This opportunity means everything to me,” Pilot said. “To return to collegiate athletics as a coach alongside someone who believed in me as a player is special. I’ve been fortunate to grow under Coach AD’s leadership both on the court and beyond. I’m honored to help continue building a program rooted in resilience, confidence, and connection.
“Basketball has always been more than just a game to me, it is a special place of healing, purpose and transformation. I’ve worn every jersey from starter to injured reserve and these experiences have shaped how I lead, how I listen, and how I will show up for our players every single day.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited to join the Macalester women’s basketball program. I’m locked in and ready to make an impact, helping our players believe in themselves, compete with heart, and chase greatness every day.”
A native of Fresno, Calif., Pilot was a standout for Clovis North High School, where she was an All-League player and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Tagged with: D3