UConn Alum Hired As University of Hartford Coach

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Former UConn player and Big East all-star Morgan Valley has been hired as the new head women's basketball coach at the University of Hartford.

A three-time NCAA champion as a player with the Huskies, Valley brings more than 14 years of Division I coaching experience to Hartford. Her career arc includes stops at the University of Arizona, University of Washington, Virginia Tech University, University of Massachusetts, University of New Hampshire, Towson University, the College of the Holy Cross and UConn.

“This is an incredible opportunity and such an honor to be selected as the leader of the Hartford women’s basketball program,” Valley said. “I would like to thank the players, staff and administration at Arizona for the time and experience. I would also like to thank President Woodward, Mary Ellen Gillespie and Craig Sandlin for their patience and kindness throughout this process.”

Valley has experienced incredible success throughout her coaching career with three NCAA tournament bids, including a Sweet 16 and Final Four appearance; a women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) championship; and a semifinal finish at the Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI).

“From the very start of our search process, Morgan’s experience and vision impressed all of us,” Hartford Director of Athletics Mary Ellen Gillespie said. “She has had tremendous success as both a player and a coach, and will be an outstanding mentor for our student-athletes. On top of being a proven winner, Morgan has been a part of leading highly successful programs. After a thorough and comprehensive national search process, there is no doubt that she is the perfect fit for the University of Hartford and our women’s basketball program.”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join Hawk Nation, and I can’t wait to carry on the winning tradition that has been established by both Jen Rizzotti and Kim McNeill,” said Valley. “Four of the best years of my life were spent here in Connecticut, and it is truly a dream to be coming back home. I can’t wait to get started and look forward to representing the community and the University of Hartford.”

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma said, “I’m so excited for Morgan. She is absolutely the most dedicated and hardworking person I’ve been around in a long, long time. Her experiences as a player and assistant coach at various levels have provided her with all the tools she needs to be an excellent head coach. The University of Hartford made a great hire. They hired a terrific coach and an outstanding human being.”

Sue Bird, a UConn legend and current WNBA star, said, “Morgan’s career has taken her all across the country and it’s fitting that she gets her chance to be a head coach in the state of Connecticut.

Morgan’s best qualities are loyalty, work ethic and experience, and those are the exact qualities you want your head coach to possess. I couldn’t be more excited for Morgan and for the University of Hartford. They got a great one!

Valley inherits a Hartford team that is coming off three straight winning seasons — including the program’s first 20-plus win campaign since 2013 in 2019 — and consecutive America East Championship appearances. The Hawks, who have won five America East Championships and have made six NCAA Tournament appearances since 2002, returned to the postseason for the first time since 2013 this past season with a WNIT bid.

Story courtesy of University of Hartford Athletics