When Connecticut Sun President Jennifer Rizzotti was growing up, she aspired to be a doctor.
“I wasn’t one of those girls that thought I could play in the NBA, so I actually didn’t think I would play basketball beyond college,” Rizzotti said. “I liked biology, so there was a stretch where I thought I’d be a doctor and then I switched to more science research. I really have no idea what I would have done going down that path.”
The path Rizzotti did go down led her to a life in basketball. She starred on the UConn women’s basketball team and was the starting point guard for their first national championship team in 1995.
Rizzotti also won championships at the WNBA level in 1999 and 2000. Following her playing career, she was the head coach of the women’s basketball teams at the University of Hartford (1999-2016) and George Washington University (2016-2021).
Now Rizzotti serves as the president of the Connecticut Sun at a time when both the WNBA and women’s sports are skyrocketing in popularity.
Rizzotti is Connecticut’s Woman of the Year.
Who paved the way for you?
I would say every woman that played basketball and fought to provide opportunity and get the Title IX law passed. When I think about how many women didn’t have scholarships, didn’t have shoes, didn’t have uniforms, didn’t have a place to play. Every single one of those women were instrumental in growing basketball to a place where I got to benefit. I think that is something that has always driven me as a player and as a woman in sports. I want to continue to pave the way for the game to continue to get better for the next generation and generations to come after that.
What is your proudest moment?
Personally, having my two boys. They’re definitely the pride of my life, Holden and Conor, 19 and 16. A lot of what I do as a mother is to be a good role model for them, to show them what women can do in life, what hard work and passion and dedication and treating people the right way can do for you in your life. I try to set a good example for them.
I think as a person in basketball, it’s hard to say. I’ve had so many tremendous moments that immediately come to mind. Winning a national championship in 1995, being an academic All-American, which I thought demonstrated that I was the best in both school and basketball as a senior. And then, winning a gold medal in Tokyo as an assistant coach for the Olympic team. I think all of those things jumped in my mind as things that I’m really, really proud of.
More: Sherry Pocknett is Connecticut’s Woman of the Year 2024
Do you have a lowest moment?
I don’t know. I feel like I’ve been really fortunate in my life. I did get let go at GW [George Washington] three-and-a-half years ago. Maybe on that day, I felt pretty low, but it opened the door for this job.
What is your definition of courage?
I think my definition of courage is doing what you believe in regardless of whether or not it’s a popular choice or what everybody else expects of you.
Is there a guiding principle or mantra you tell yourself?
I think for me, my guiding principle is that I want to surround myself with good people no matter where I am.
Who do you look up to?
My parents to start with. I didn’t realize how hardworking and competitive they were until I became an adult and realized that nobody else’s parents are as hardworking and competitive as mine.
I looked up to Geno [Auriemma]. I still do. The way he has sustained that level of success for four decades is obviously more than just about being good at coaching basketball. It goes back to building relationships. It goes back to treating people right and it goes back to knowing how to motivate people to be their best.
How do you overcome adversity?
I actually think I thrive under stress. I think that goes back to just making sure that you have good people around you that are there to support you and never being afraid to face a challenge.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would probably just tell myself to stay true to what I was doing and to follow my gut.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: USA Today’s Women of the Year: Connecticut Sun’s Jennifer Rizzotti
