Uncasville, CT (December 27, 2022) – Today, the Connecticut Sun announced Abi Olajuwon as the organization’s newest assistant coach. Olajuwon joins head coach Stephanie White on the sideline for the 2023 season.
“I’m excited to add Abi Olajuwon to our staff,” White remarked. “Abi has a wealth of college coaching experience, and we are thrilled she will be back in the WNBA. She is an incredibly hard worker, has great energy and will be a terrific addition to our franchise. She was a player in the W, so she understands the demands of our players and will be a great asset to our post group.”
After an impressive career at Oklahoma University, where she was a Big 12 Champion in 2007 and 2009 and went to two NCAA Women’s Final Fours, Olajuwon was a third round draft pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. After her rookie season with the Sky, Olajuwon went on to play one season for the Tulsa Shock, and finished her playing career overseas with clubs in Romania, Hungary, Israel, Croatia, France, Brazil, China and Spain.
“To be hired by the Connecticut Sun is simply put, a dream,” Olajuwon remarked. “To reach the pinnacle of women’s basketball and coach some of the best players in the world is such an honor and a privilege. I jumped at the opportunity to work with my former coach, Stephanie White, because I know her energy to win from the perspective of a player and now, as a coach. If there is one thing that is true about the Connecticut Sun, it’s that the organization is putting the idea into action that once you are a part of the WNBA family, you will be taken care of. There is an investment in your success not only during your time in this league, but after your playing career is over. I am excited to be a part of this special organization and hope to facilitate great guidance to these amazing professional athletes.”
Olajuwon comes to the Sun with a nearly a decade of experience coaching at the collegiate level. Most recently, Olajuwon served as an assistant coach, recruiting coordinator, and post coach for the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs from 2018-2022. During her tenure there, the Horned Frogs amassed a 66-55 record. In addition, Olajuwon helped coach two players to All-Big 12 First Team honors (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21), two players to All-Big 12 Second Team honors (2018-19, 2019-20), three players to Big 12 All-Defensive team honors (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21), and one player to All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (2021-22). Prior to her time at TCU, Olajuwon served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Eastern Michigan Eagles from 2016-2018 and as an assistant coach at California State University, Fullerton from 2015-2017.
Olajuwon’s first test as a WNBA assistant coach will come when the Connecticut Sun open the 2023 season on May 19 at 7:00 PM EST, visiting the Indiana Fever.
Established in 2003, the Connecticut Sun is a professional women’s basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association that takes residence at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For additional information or to purchase season tickets, visit www.connecticutsun.com.
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