Born: 1968 (Oak Ridge, Tennessee)
Biography:
Jennifer Lynn Azzi was born on August 31, 1968, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She is an American chief business development officer for the Las Vegas Aces, as well as a former collegiate and professional basketball player, NCAA Division I basketball coach, and Olympic and FIBA world champion. Azzi has made significant contributions to the sport of basketball throughout her career and has been recognized for her achievements and impact on women’s sports.
Azzi attended Stanford University in 1987 on a scholarship, where she studied economics and played for the Women’s Basketball Team. During her time at Stanford, Azzi excelled both academically and athletically. She played as the point guard for Stanford University’s women’s basketball team from 1987 to 1990. Under her leadership, the Cardinal compiled an impressive 101–23 win-loss record and captured two Pac-10 titles. In her senior year (1990), Azzi led the Cardinal to the NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Championship, defeating Auburn. This victory solidified her status as one of the greatest collegiate players of her time.
Azzi’s talent and success extended beyond college basketball. She represented the United States in international competitions and played a pivotal role in the team’s triumphs. In 1988, Azzi was selected for the Jones Cup team, which secured a silver medal. She averaged 5.4 points per game during the tournament. Azzi also had the honor of being a member of the USA National team at the 1990 World Championships held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The team dominated the competition, and Azzi’s strong performances contributed to their success. The USA team won every game and emerged as the gold medalists. Azzi averaged 4.6 points per game and recorded 15 assists, the second-highest on the team.
Additionally, Azzi showcased her skills at the 1991 Pan American Games, playing once again for the USA team. Despite some setbacks, such as a three-point loss to Brazil, the team rebounded and secured the bronze medal. Azzi’s dedication to the sport and her exceptional performance during these international tournaments exemplified her commitment to representing her country with pride and excellence.
Beyond her playing career, Azzi pursued coaching and took on various leadership roles within the basketball community. She coached at the collegiate level, sharing her knowledge and experience with young athletes. Furthermore, Azzi made significant contributions to the sport as an academy global director at the National Basketball Association (NBA) and served as an associate vice president of development at the University of San Francisco. Azzi’s passion for the game and her desire to inspire others led her to become a notable figure in the basketball world.
In recognition of her accomplishments and influence on the sport, Azzi was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. This prestigious honor solidifies her place among the most esteemed individuals in women’s basketball history.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2009)