Longtime women’s basketball assistant Jamelle Elliott departs program

Following 18 seasons on the UConn sidelines, Jamelle Elliott is stepping down from her role as assistant coach for the Huskies to pursue opportunities outside of coaching.

Between Elliot’s playing career at UConn and serving two stints as an assistant from 1998-09 and 2020-26 she totaled over 30 years of service for UConn. Head Coach Geno Auriemma spoke to her impact on the program in a press release from the program.

"Jamelle spent more than 30 years in and around our program as a player and a coach and she was an important piece of seven championships here at UConn," head coach Geno Auriemma said. 

"She has impacted generations of Connecticut basketball players, whether it was in her playing career as a captain and a leader, or in her coaching tenure as a recruiter, teacher and mentor. The impact that Jamelle had here at UConn as a student-athlete, as an administrator, as a basketball coach, very few can match. I'm really proud of her accomplishments here. 

Elliot also gave her thoughts on the decision in the release.

"I want to thank Coach Auriemma for seeing something in a young girl from the inner city of D.C. enough to be a part of this program," Elliott said. "In the over 30 years since, he has had such a profound impact on my life as a coach, mentor and friend. Having the opportunity to impact so many young women and help provide the same meaningful experience I had as a student-athlete has been the greatest part of this journey. 

"This was not an easy decision, but I know it is the right time for me to begin a new chapter. It was a privilege and honor to wear the Husky uniform and be a part of the coaching staff.  UConn will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always love and support our program and the university."

During her playing career, Elliott competed in two NCAA Final Fours and won six BIG EAST Championships. She also became, at the time of accomplishing, only the second player in UConn history to surpass both the 1,000 point and 1,000 rebound marks. She finished her Husky playing career ranked No. 2 on UConn’s all-time rebounding list and never missed a practice or game for her entire four year stint. She is also a 1995 National Champion.

As a coach on the sideline for UConn, Elliot helped coach the Huskies to six national championships, 31 conference championships, and 12 NCAA Final Fours.

The women’s basketball program announced in the press release that a national search will commence shortly for Elliott’s replacement.