Born: July 29, 1966 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Suzie McConnell-Serio (born July 29, 1966) is a former American women’s basketball coach and player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, McConnell-Serio displayed her talent and passion for basketball from an early age. She attended Seton-La Salle Catholic High School, where she led the Lady Rebels to the PIAA state championship in 1984.
Continuing her basketball journey, McConnell-Serio joined Penn State University to play college basketball. From 1984 to 1988, she played a pivotal role in the success of the Lady Lions, helping them achieve a remarkable 95-33 record over four seasons. McConnell-Serio’s exceptional skills on the court earned her numerous accolades and recognition.
During her college career, McConnell-Serio set several NCAA Division I records for career assists, including the all-time record of 1,307 assists. In 1987, she also set the record for assists in a season with 355, along with an impressive season average of 11.8 assists per game. Her assist total and average led the nation in both 1986 and 1987. McConnell-Serio’s remarkable ability to distribute the ball also allowed her to set the record for the most career points by anyone with 1,000+ assists, finishing her collegiate career with 1,897 points.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, McConnell-Serio was named the school’s first First-Team All-American, cementing her status as one of the greatest players in Penn State history. She graduated from Penn State in 1988 and was honored with the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award that same year. This award, given to the best women’s basketball player in the country no taller than 5’6 (1.68 m), further solidified McConnell-Serio’s legacy as a pioneer in the game.
McConnell-Serio’s impact extended beyond her college career. Before joining the Minnesota Lynx as a coach in the WNBA, she served as the head coach of the girls’ basketball team at Oakland Catholic High School in Pittsburgh for 13 years, from 1991 to 2003. Under her guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, winning three PIAA state championships, becoming runners-up twice, and securing five consecutive district championships. McConnell-Serio’s dedication to coaching demonstrated her ability to inspire and nurture young talent.
In 2004, McConnell-Serio was named the WNBA Coach of the Year while coaching the Minnesota Lynx. Her leadership and strategic prowess led the team to new heights, and she played an instrumental role in the growth and development of the players under her guidance.
McConnell-Serio’s contributions to women’s basketball were recognized when she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. Her impact on the game, both as a player and as a coach, paved the way for future generations of women basketball players.
Awards:
– WNBA Coach of the Year (2004)
– Inductee, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2008)