UConn's Reid Makes Another Major Stadium Commitment

STORRS, CT — University of Connecticut men’s soccer coach Ray Reid has committed to a second six-figure gift toward a new facility for the Huskies, school officials said.

In October 2014, Reid made a $100,000 commitment that will help build the Rizza Family Soccer Complex on the Storrs campus. The veteran UConn coach recently backed up that gift with a legacy gift of an additional $250,000 that will benefit the men’s soccer program, UConn officials said.

“UConn has changed me both personally and professionally, and I wanted to do my part to help,” Reid said. “Both of my daughters (Cate and Dannielle) graduated from UConn, and I am a firm believer in people giving back to special places that are important to them.”

Reid led UConn to the 2000 NCAA national championship, and under his guidance, the Huskies have made two trips to the NCAA semifinals and seven to the quarterfinals.

UConn has earned an NCAA tournament spot in 17 of his 19 seasons at UConn.

“All of us at UConn know how special Ray Reid is and how much he gives of himself and sacrifices for the benefit of UConn men’s soccer,” said David Benedict, UConn director of athletics. “Ray’s generosity has reached a new level with his latest gift. On behalf of the entire University, I am very thankful to Coach Reid and his entire family for this incredible gesture.”

The primary stadium benefactor was thrilled.

“This is fantastic news and speaks to the belief and connection that Coach Reid has to his players and all of UConn,” said former men’s soccer standout Tony Rizza (Class of 1987), who made an $8 million commitment to the building of the Rizza Family Soccer Complex, the largest single-gift in the history of UConn athletics. “I can’t think of another coach in the country in any sport who has made more of an effort and commitment to a school than Coach Reid.”

Photo, Video Credit: UConn Athletics