Jennifer Rizzotti (Class of 1992)

NCAA champion and professional basketball player and collegiate coach, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame 2013 inductee

What is Jennifer Rizzotti (Class of 1992) known for?

Jennifer Rizzotti, born on May 15, 1974, in White Plains, New York, is a notable alumna of New Fairfield High School in New Fairfield, Connecticut. She is a renowned American basketball player and coach who has left a significant mark in the sports world.

Rizzotti started her journey in sports at New Fairfield High School, from where she graduated in 1992. She then became a star player for the women's basketball team at the University of Connecticut (UConn) from 1992 to 1996. During her time at UConn, she was the starting point guard on the Huskies' first national championship team in 1995, and the team finished the season perfectly, winning all 35 games. In recognition of this impressive achievement, Rizzotti's picture was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.

Her collegiate career boasts many remarkable accolades, including the prestigious Honda-Broderick Cup for 1995–96, presented to the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year. Not only that, but Rizzotti was also named the 1996 AP Player of the Year and won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, which is awarded to the best women's basketball player in the country under 5'6" tall.

Following her incredible collegiate career, she was drafted during the 4th round of the 1999 WNBA draft by the Houston Comets. As a professional player, she had a successful run with teams such as the New England Blizzard, Houston Comets, and the Cleveland Rockers, amassing two WNBA championships in 1999 and 2000.

After her playing career, Rizzotti transitioned into coaching and enjoyed equal success. She was the coach of the Hartford Hawks women's basketball team, the George Washington Colonials, and currently serves as the president of the Connecticut Sun. As a coach, her achievements comprise five America East tournament championships, four America East regular-season championships, and the A-10 Tournament championship in 2018. She was also named the America East Coach of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2007.

For her tremendous contributions to the sport, Rizzotti was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. Today, the basketball court at the New Fairfield town park is named after Rizzotti in honor of her achievements, making her a cherished figure and role model in her hometown and beyond.