Rizzotti, Jennifer

Jennifer Rizzotti won the hearts of basketball fans everywhere for her on-court intensity and work ethic during her incredible career at UCONN. She started every game (135) during her four-year career and tied Jamelle Elliott for most games played. She set Husky records for single-season assists (222), single-season steals (112), career assists (637), and career steals (349). She was instrumental in leading UConn to two Final Four appearances -- including UCONN’s undefeated 35-0 National Championship season in 1995.

Rizzotti was named the Associated Press Player of the Year; the Wade Trophy winner as the sport’s outstanding senior; and selected first team All-American by Kodak, Associated Press and UPI. She was a GTE Academic All-American, Big East Player of the Year, and won the Naismith Award as the nation’s top player under 5’6”. Rizzotti was one of the few female athletes to ever grace the cover of Sports Illustrated.

After graduation, Rizzotti played professional basketball for the New England Blizzard and two-time WNBA champion Houston Rockets. In 1999, she was selected to coach at the University of Hartford -- the youngest Division I coach in the country. efforts.