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May 18, 2009
Moseley Is New UConn Assistant
It took UConn coach Geno Auriemma about two weeks to hire assistant coach Shea Ralph to fill the void left by the departure of Tonya Cardoza last July. He also wasted little time in filling the void that was created by the departure of Jamelle Elliott earlier this month.
Former Minnesota assistant coach Marisa Moseley, 27, was named Monday as UConn’s newest assistant. Elliott, who left UConn after 12 seasons, officially became the head coach at Cincinnati May 5.
``Marisa is an outstanding young coach who will be a perfect fit here at UConn,’’ Auriemma said in a statement. ``She has outstanding people skills and her experiences at Minnesota have prepared her well for the challenges she will face at Connecticut.’’
The Huskies began interviewing candidates last week, seeking an individual with a minimum of three years of coaching experience. Moseley interviewed for the position last Thursday.
Moseley, a 2004 graduate of Boston University and a Springfield, Mass. native, spent the past two seasons at Minnesota where she coached the post players and also had a significant role in recruiting and scouting. Elliott was also responsible for tutoring the post players and was regarded as an outstanding recruiter.
``I feel really blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunities that I’ve had,’’ Moseley said tonight. ``It was a little surreal for this to happen so quickly. And then, of course, for it to be Connecticut was even a little bit more surreal. And to be an hour from my parents it’s kind of ideal also because they’re getting older and I’m excited to be able to have them come to my games and be a part of my coaching career even more than they already are right now.’’
The Golden Gophers were 20-12 (11-7 Big Ten) this season, reaching the second round of the NCAA tournament. Red-shirt junior post player Ashley Ellis-Milan was second on the team in scoring (11.9), first in rebounding (7.3) and was named to the All-Big Ten third team by the coaches and media.
Minnesota was also 20-12 (11-7 Big Ten) in 2007-08, losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. Senior forward Leslie Knight was second on the team in scoring (13.6) and rebounding (5.9) and was named to the all-conference second team by the coaches and media.
Moseley also served as the academic liaison for the Golden Gophers, with 11 players being named to the Big Ten Academic Honor Roll.
``Marisa is a rising star and one that I feel lucky to have as a big part of our program,” Minnesota coach Pam Borton said on the team’s website. ``She is a great teacher of the game, relates well with our players, and is a tireless worker. Her energy and emotion has been a wonderful addition to our vibrant staff.’’
Moseley, who was an assistant coach at Denver during the 2006-07 season and previously spent one year as a production assistant at ESPN, has served as an instructor at Auriemma’s basketball camp in the past and played against the Huskies in the first round of the NCAA tournament in 2003. She finished her playing career at Boston University ranked third in team history with 114 blocks.
``Marisa will be a terrific coach on the floor as well as an excellent recruiter,’’ Auriemma said. ``I’m thrilled to have her on our staff and our players will be as well.’’
Rich
Posted by Elliott on May 18, 2009 6:06 PM
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