Donovan shines at SMU

SOMERS, N.Y. - Freshman sprinter Haylie Donovan is already making an impact for Southern Methodist University.

The former Somers standout was named ACC Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Freshman of the Week following a breakout performance at the SMU Invitational, where she posted one of the fastest 400-meter times in program history and helped set a relay record.

Competing at home on Saturday, Donovan ran a personal-best 54.04 seconds in the 400 meters, the fourth-fastest outdoor time in Mustangs history. The mark also moved her into 16th place in the ACC this season and further established the freshman as one of SMU’s emerging young talents.

Donovan also contributed to a historic performance in the 4x400-meter relay. Running a leg on the SMU quartet, she helped the team finish in 3:37.07, the second-fastest time in school history. The performance also set both the SMU Invitational meet record and the facility record.

Donovan arrived at SMU with an accomplished résumé. She is a six-time New York State Championship finalist and medalist and finished as the 2025 New York State runner-up in the 400 meters with a personal-best 54.42. Donovan also competed twice at the Millrose Games in the 300 meters and represented Team USA at the U20 World Relays pre-game showcase, where she placed second.

Donovan graduated from Somers High School with high honors and plans to study psychology at SMU. She is the daughter of Richard and Denise Donovan and has one brother, Brian.