Jennifer Azzi

Jennifer Azzi Speaker Biography

Olympic Gold Medalist, Chief Business Development Officer for the Las Vegas Aces, Former Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball Team at the University of San Francisco, Hall-of-Fame Women’s Basketball Player

Jennifer Azzi is no stranger to success. With achievements ranging from seven hall of fame inductions, an Olympic Gold Medal, a Stanford National Championship, the Naismith Award, Wade Trophy, a successful WNBA career, her accomplishments over a 25-year period have firmly established her as one of the most accomplished figures in basketball. Jennifer is also a well-respected Coach, Speaker, and Author.  She has spoken both domestically as well as globally to international organizations, such as Generations for Peace in Dubai. She is most known for her dynamic ability to lead and motivate.

College Basketball

Through her six seasons as Head Coach at the University of San Francisco, Azzi transformed the women’s basketball program from arguably the worst program in the country, into a bona fide postseason contender. She led the Dons to their fourth NCAA tournament berth after knocking off the Nos. 3, 2 and 1 seeds to win the 2016 WCC Tournament, to earn the league’s automatic berth to the Big Dance. In addition to her on-court success, Azzi’s program earned the NCAA’s APR award for outstanding academic success.  Her team finished the 2016 season with a 3.3 GPA.

NBA Basketball

Jennifer left USF in September of 2016 to pursue career opportunities with the NBA, and Jr. NBA as an Ambassador and Spokesperson. She will remain a part of the USF Academic team.

NCAA Honors

On January 16, 2015, Azzi was presented with the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award which honors an individual’s accomplishments on the court of play as well as their contributions to professional organizations and other civic activities on their 25th anniversary of the conclusion of their collegiate careers. The Silver Award is the NCAA’s highest honor.

Records

Jennifer Azzi has a lifetime of success associated as a player, a championship coach and an ambassador for basketball.  The Bay Area Sports Hall-of-Famer (BASHOF) brings an especially impressive playing resume featuring successful tenures with the USA National Team, five seasons in the WNBA, a founding member of the American Basketball League (ABL), professional experience overseas, and an All-American collegiate career at Stanford. She still holds the WNBA 3-point percentage record at 54% from behind the arc.

Hall of Fame

Azzi is a member of several Hall of Fames, including the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2009), the Anderson County Hall of Fame (2009), the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (2007), the San Jose Sports Authority Hall of Fame (2006), the Knoxville Hall of Fame (1998), and the Oak Ridge High School Hall of Fame. In 1995, Azzi became the youngest inductee into the Stanford University Hall of Fame.

Retirement

Since retiring from her playing career, Azzi has continued to serve as an ambassador for the sport both locally and internationally. Azzi has traveled thousands of miles representing the NBA and WNBA on trips to Africa, Denmark, and Dubai. In addition, Azzi has conducted youth basketball clinics and workshops across the globe. Most recently, her community involvement has been seen through the NBA Cares program, partnering with the Golden State Warriors and other notable Bay Area figures to open two Live, Learn and Play Zones in East Oakland to serve area youth.

Las Vegas Aces

Azzi is the Chief Business Development Officer for the Las Vegas Aces, where she oversees all business development for the WNBA Championship franchise. Prior to joining the Aces, Azzi served as Associate Vice President at the University of San Francisco, helping complete its largest Campaign in university history.

NBA Cares

A native of Oak Ridge, TN, Jennifer attended Oak Ridge High School before matriculating to Stanford. In addition to her camps and clinics, she actively gives back to the region that she calls home. Her most recent community involvement project was with the NBA Cares program, where she partnered with the Golden State Warriors and other notable Bay Area figures to open two Live, Learn and Play Zones in East Oakland to serve local youth.