Titan Athlete Spotlight - Donovan Gill, Men's Basketball

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT - Donovan Gill 

Over the years, he battled through nagging injuries—broken fingers, sore wrists—that sidelined him more than once. But Gill never let setbacks define him. "Always believing in myself and staying consistent with my craft helped me overcome them," he said. Those lessons carried him into college and shaped the player he is today.

Choosing to Stay Home

Gill's path to Tacoma Community College began with a relationship. He was recruited by TCC while playing at Stadium High School. Gill started showing up to summer workouts alongside overseas pros and college players, and that experience kept him coming back.

After his senior year, the decision felt obvious. Staying local meant keeping his support system intact—family, friends, and familiar faces in the stands. "It just made the most sense for me," Gill said. He chose TCC because it felt like home.

The jump from high school to college basketball wasn't easy. "The courts are longer, players are bigger—you're playing real grown men now," Gill said. But he leaned into the challenge, embracing the physicality and the pace that comes with the college game.

Game Day Rituals and Team Bonds

On game days, Gill's routine is simple but sacred. He wakes up around 8:30, stretches, brushes his teeth, and grabs breakfast—usually eggs. Before the game, he has to have his snack, which always includes mac and cheese, and he keeps a piece of gum in his mouth once the ball tips. The finishing touch is music in his headphones. "Either Belt by Chops and Babyface E, Shot Calling by NBA Youngboy, or Trackhawk by Babyface E," he said.

He and his teammates share a pregame ritual, too. They circle up, turn on the speaker, and let the music set the tone. It's a small thing, but it brings them together.

Some of Gill's favorite moments at TCC have happened off the court. On road trips, the team plays Mafia—at the hotel, in the van, even at restaurants. "That was something that brought us together," he said. Those memories, along with the battles on the floor, have taught him how to bounce back when things don't go his way. "Being resilient—when things don't always go your way, how are you gonna fight back?"

Looking Ahead

Gill's focus remains on basketball. He wants to keep playing as long as he can. But he's also thinking about life beyond the court. "If the ball stops bouncing for me, then I would want to be an elementary teacher or just a teacher in general," he said. He enjoys working with kids and wants to help guide them toward the right path.

His advice for anyone chasing a dream is simple: "Stay locked into your craft, and believe in yourself."