Billy Donovan, head coach of the 2006 and 2007 National Champion University of Florida men’s basketball team, was honored with the United States Sports Academy’s Amos Alonzo Stagg Coaching Award on Tuesday. Academy Trustee Jimmy Carnes presented Donovan with the award at a Rotary Club luncheon in Gainesville, Fla.

Donovan guided the Gators to a 35-5 mark and the national title in 2007, after leading UF to a 33-6 mark and the school’s first national title in 2006.

“I’m honored to accept this coaching award on behalf of all of the people that have brought the University of Florida basketball program to where it is,” said Donovan. “I may be the one receiving this award, but this is a true reflection of the dedication by the players, coaches and administration.”

The Amos Alonzo Stagg Coaching Award is presented to an individual who has experienced outstanding achievement as a coach. This person exhibits a high standard of propriety, imagination and innovation as a character-builder in the tradition of great teacher-coaches.

The award has been presented annually since 1985 as part of the Academy’s Awards of Sport Medallion Series, which pays “Tribute to the Artist and the Athlete.” Past recipients include Bill Belichick, Tommy Lasorda, Phil Jackson, Joe Paterno and John Wooden. For a complete list, please visit www.asama.org.

Donovan received the Academy's Order of the Eagle Exemplar medal and Academy Rosette. The Academy's Order of the Eagle Exemplar medallion was designed by the Academy's Sport Artist of the Year 1990, Blair Buswell. Donovan was also presented with the Academy Rosette, modeled after the Legion of Honour, which was instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. A rosette is a symbol of recognition and affiliation.