A native of Afton, Oklahoma, Donley's background is certainly a lengthy one. Donley began competing in freestyle and greco back in 2017 when he won the Catoosa OKUSA greco event and finished third in freestyle. That same year, Donley won the OKUSA greco national team qualifier and finished third in freestyle. In 2019, Donley won the Owasso USA freestyle/greco event in both styles setting him up for the OKUSA freestyle/greco state tournament where he was the runner - up in greco and finished third in freestyle. Donley began his high school career in the 20-21 season winning the OSSAA Will Rogers conference tournament.