UConn Sets Up Networking, Mentor Program for Student-Athletes

STORRS, CT — A new program at the University of Connecticut is giving student-athletes a comprehensive networking and mentor system.

The UConn division of athletics on Wednesday announced the creation of the National “C” Club, which "will seek to provide a deeper level of engagement through networking and mentorship opportunities for current and former UConn student-athletes." Former UConn women’s basketball standout and assistant coach Jamelle Elliott has been named associate athletic director for the National “C” Club and will lead the new enterprise.

Elliott served as the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Cincinnati from 2009-18 after working on Geno Auriemma’s coaching staff from 1997-2009. Elliott’s run as an assistant coach included five national championships (2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009) and 23 conference titles.

The formation of the National “C” Club was made possible by a "generous gift" from John Fodor and his wife, Sally. John Fodor, a 1985 graduate from UConn, was a four-year letterwinner on the football team.

“It feels good to be home,” Elliott said. “I am extremely grateful to David Benedict for the opportunity to come back to a place that brings back so many fond memories. I look forward to working alongside the rest of the Athletics staff to have a positive impact on our current student-athletes and I am eager to engage with our alumni and rejuvenate pride in being a Husky for life.”

The “C” Club is committed to the enhancement of all alumni student-athletes and building exceptional pride in the Husky legacy. It will provide unique and special benefits to former letter winners and will deliver opportunities for engagement with athletic leadership, alumni/teammates and the current young men and women who represent the university.

“As we continue to pursue excellence it is important to provide a platform for former student-athletes to connect and assist each other and current Huskies with mentoring, internships and job opportunities,” athletic director David Benedict said. “As a former UConn student-athlete and coach, Jamelle is a perfect fit to develop and direct this special program.”

One of the “C” Club’s first endeavors will include establishing a functional database of athletics alums with the goal of fostering networking, internship and mentoring opportunities for alumni and current student-athletes and enhancing the continued connection with UConn Athletics and the University as a whole.

The new initiative will also be charged with fostering a sense of pride and “family” with alumni student-athletes through reunions, special events and, most importantly, through internships and mentoring opportunities.

While leading the women’s basketball program at Cincinnati, Elliott’s teams earned two berths in the WNIT and every student-athlete who exhausted her eligibility earned a degree. Elliott implemented the Positive Performance Mental Training Academy for student-athletes during her tenure in Clifton and also spearheaded a student-athlete leadership development program.

Elliott, a four-year letterwinner, helped build the UConn dynasty and finished her career ranked No. 2 among UConn's all-time rebounding leaders (1,054), No. 5 in Big East career rebounding (558) and No. 11 in UConn career scoring (1,387).

Elliott, at the time, became only the second player in UConn history to surpass the 1,000 point and 1,000 rebound milestones. She is among the UConn career leaders for games played with 135, never missing a single game or practice in her four collegiate years. In her four years as a player, UConn posted an overall record of 117-18.

After graduating from Connecticut with a degree in business management, Elliott went on to earn her graduate degree in sports management from UConn in 1997.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel