Uncasville, CT (March 24, 2023) – Today, the Connecticut Sun announced Austin Kelly as the organization’s newest assistant coach. Kelly joins new Sun assistants Briann January and Abi Olajuwon under Head Coach Stephanie White for the 2023 season.
“I’m excited to add Austin Kelly to our staff,” White remarked. “Austin is a young, energetic coach who has a great eye for the game, player development and terrific rapport with players. He’s a brilliant X’s and O’s mind that fits perfectly into how we want to play and where the game is going.”
Kelly comes to the Sun with an extensive coaching resume. He is currently in his second season as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the University of Texas Arlington women’s basketball team. During the 2021-22 season, Kelly helped lead the Lady Mavericks to a 20-8 record, a Sun Belt Tournament Championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Prior to UT Arlington, the Georgia native spent two seasons at Vanderbilt as the Director of Recruiting, working under Sun Head Coach, Stephanie White. Kelly also served as the Graduate Assistant for Georgia Tech women’s basketball team for the 2018-19 season where he was the primary defensive scout coach and assisted with on-court player development and strength and conditioning.
“I am beyond excited to join the Connecticut Sun family under the leadership of Stephanie White,” said Kelly. “Getting an opportunity to coach in the WNBA and contribute to the growth of the next generation of athletes has always been a dream of mine. It is a humbling experience to embark on, and I can’t wait to work with our players and build on the Connecticut Sun legacy.”
Kelly graduated from Duke University in 2011, where he was a three-year starter at wide receiver under former Duke Football Head Coach, David Cutcliffe. He also played a season of basketball at Georgia Southwestern (Division II) in 2012-13 and spent five years coaching at Kell and South Cobb High School prior to his collegiate coaching career.
Kelly’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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