Rizzotti up for new challenge
Ex-UConn great takes on new role as team president of the Sun
Mohegan — Jennifer Rizzotti felt like she needed a break after George Washington fired her as head coach of the women's basketball team back on March 15.
Rizzotti had been a college head coach for the past 22 seasons, the first 17 at the University of Hartford. The former UConn great led legislative meetings for the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and has been part of USA Basketball, too.
Rizzotti began having second thoughts about taking a breather when the Mohegan Sun came calling for her to be the president of the Connecticut Sun.
"I really didn't know what I wanted to do next," Rizzotti said at her introductory press conference on Tuesday at Mohegan Sun Arena. "This opportunity came up pretty quickly, or at least the idea of it, and it became more of a reality as the weeks went on.
"I've only known playing and coaching in my profession career so far, and throughout my coaching career I've always measured my success based on the impact that I've had on the lives of the players on-and-off the court . ... I want to make a difference in the lives of our players and their future. I want to support our coaches in ways that I would want to be supported as a coach and I want to positively impact our fans and our community in the greatest state to be a women's basketball fan."
Mohegan Sun had a leadership void to fill when Amber Cox, the vice president of Mohegan Sun Sports, resigned in February to go home to Kansas City and become Chief Operating Officer of the city's new National Women's Soccer League franchise.
Rizzotti was officially hired on April 20. The idea to recruit Rizzotti was Curt Miller's, the Sun's general manager and head coach. He coached against her when she played for UConn and he was a Syracuse assistant. He also coached against her twice when she was Hartford's head coach and he held that same job at Bowling Green (their teams split).
"I remember sitting in the living room when I first saw the notice that GW and Jen had separated," Miller said. "I remember my first text to
“I want to make a difference in the lives of our players and their future. I want to support our coaches in ways that I would want to be supported as a coach and I want to positively impact our fans and our community in the greatest state to be a women's basketball fan.”
JENNIFER RIZZOTTI, CONNECTICUT SUN PRESIDENT
Mohegan leadership, 'Jen Rizzotti is a free agent.'
"Jen was now available and I thought she was the perfect fit (for the franchise). Wasn't sure where, but I thought she was the perfect fit to bring on board for the Connecticut Sun . ... So I pushed Mohegan leadership to reach out to Jen."
Rizzotti will be doing some multitasking this summer because she'll be an assistant for both the 2021 U.S. Olympic team and USA AmeriCup team (the WNBA will go on its Olympic break from July 12Aug. 11). She's used to juggling jobs because she played four seasons in the WNBA while coaching Hartford (2000-03).
Rizzotti provides a unique perspective to the Sun as their president because she knows what it's like being both a coach and a WNBA player, and knows what each group needs to be successful.
"Leadership is leadership," Rizzotti said. "I've been managing my whole life since I was 25 over at Hartford managing a staff and managing budgets.
"I feel like even though I've never been in a position like this, I've been preparing for it my whole life. I'm ready. I know I have a lot to learn, but one of the things I've learned in my career is that you surround yourself with really good people who make you look good and that work tireless to help you be successful, and I plan to do that here."
• Jeff Hamilton, Mohegan Sun's President and General Manager, said during the press conference that fans would be allowed at Sun games this season, although how many fans and still to be determined.
The Sun's home opener is Sunday, May 16. Connecticut governor Ned Lamont said last month that restrictions for businesses such as large event venues would be phased out on May 19.