'Difficult to Replace': Geno Auriemma Reflects on Jamelle Elliott’s Departure From UConn

Elliott has spent a total of 22 seasons either playing or coaching for the Huskies women’s team. She has decided to leave the program to “pursue opportunities outside coaching.”

Auriemma further elaborated on the blog post about how Elliott will carry forward her passion to the next phase of her life and how grateful he was to have worked with Elliott.

“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,” Auriemma said.

Auriemma had nothing but praise for the UConn Business School Hall of Famer. And her career at UConn is a testament to the same.

Jamelle Elliott Leaves the UConn Program with Major Accomplishments

During her career as a player, she helped the Huskies win six Big East titles and the program’s first national championship in 1995. She never missed a practice or a game over her 135-game career.

Then, after she retired, Elliott took on the role of Auriemma’s assistant. Elliott spent 11 seasons in her first stint with the team.

She came back for another stint in the middle of the 2019-20 campaign, filling in for former UConn assistant coach Jasmine Lister. Elliott was part of the seven national championships as a player and a coach for the program.

She won six national championships and 31 conference championships as an assistant coach. Elliott also spoke about her departure from the program, thanking Auriemma during her statement.

“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.”

Jamelle Elliott embarked on a new journey with a bag full of accolades and achievements. And Auriemma extended his best wishes for her future endeavors.