Western Connecticut State University has appointed Derby native Maria Conlon, a three-time national champion and former UConn women’s basketball player, as its next coach.
Conlon, a 2005 graduate of UConn and member of the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, joins the Wolves’ women’s basketball team after coaching the girls team at Greens Farms Academy in Westport the past two years.
Her final three years as head coach at Notre Dame-Fairfield were spent as a coach as well. In 2022, she guided the squad to the Class L championship, and they finished first in the GameTimeCT Top 10 Poll.
“I am so excited to be a part of the WestConn community and to grow a successful women’s basketball program,” Conlon said in a press release. “The University’s core values are perfectly aligned with mine. I am thrilled to be able to work with the current student-athletes and to offer many more opportunities to play college basketball in the future.
“In such an exciting time in women’s sport, Athletic Director Lori Mazza has us positioned for future success and I am committed to leading us in the classroom and on the court.”
While at Notre Dame-Fairfield, Conlon led the Lancers to three SCC championships and a state title, earning Connecticut High School Coach of the Year honors.
She started her coaching career as a student assistant for UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma in 2004-05. She then coached an International team in Iceland and was an assistant at Southern Connecticut State University, helping the program win the NCAA Division II National title in 2007.
Conlon, a standout player at Seymour High School, founded the BattleCon AAU basketball program, which serves athletes in Southwest Connecticut from fifth to 12th grade and serves as a speaking platform with an emphasis on empowering youth. Conlon has also worked as an analyst for Fairfield University women’s basketball broadcasts.
Mazza cited Conlon’s accomplishments and background as key factors in the hiring decision.
Maria has “the blend of proficiency needed at this time and a vision for our long-term success,” according to Mazza, “her experiences at various levels.” Her competitiveness, intellect, and diverse real-world experiences make her an excellent mentor both on and off the court.
