Undoubtedly one of the greatest softball players in school history, Donna Mills compiled astronomical numbers during her career, many of which continue to rank as school records and among the program's career leaders.
Over the course of her career, Mills set 21 school records, 16 of which still stand today, including batting average in a career (.438) and a season (.471); slugging percentage in a career (.721) and a season (.829); runs in a career (148) and season (62) as well as hits in a season (75) and doubles in a career (57) and season (23).
She also set career marks in hits (221), triples (17), singles (130), home runs (17) and RBI (126) that have since been eclipsed.
Mills collected her share of honors, including New England Collegiate Conference all-star status - Second Team in 1994 and 1995; First Team in 1996 - as well as ECAC Division II North honors in 1996.
She enjoyed her best years as a junior and senior, in which she ranked among NCAA Division II leaders. In 1995, she sat among national leaders in doubles (18, 13th), runs scored (62, 13th) and triples (eight, 17th). As a senior she was third among Division II doubles leaders (23) and 23rd in batting (.469).
"Certainly, Donna's abilities speak for themselves," said former softball coach Harry Sauter (1995-2009), who coached Mills her final two years. "Donna was a great, great ball player who went on to play baseball at the highest possible level. She was a great hitter who certainly understands the fundamentals of hitting.
"In those days, she was the team," Sauter added. "She was probably one of the best athletes that was had ever recruited."
For all that Mills achieved as a softball player, her real passion was always baseball. In 2006, she was named the Most Valuable Player of the Women's World Cup of Baseball in Taipei City, Taiwan, leading the U.S. to the gold medal.
Along the way, she led all players with 13 RBI and was also named to All-Tournament Team as the top third baseman.
Mills was also a member of the 2004 U.S. squad which captured the gold and the 2008 team which won the bronze.
