Pittsburgh names McConnell-Serio women's hoops coach

Apr 12, 2013 - 8:33 PM Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Pittsburgh named Suzie McConnell-Serio as its new women's basketball coach.

McConnell-Serio heads to Pittsburgh following an impressive six-year run at neighboring Duquesne University. As head coach of the Dukes, she posted a 123-68 record.

This past season, Duquesne went 24-8 overall and 11-3 in the Atlantic 10. The 24 wins tied the school record set by McConnell-Serio's 2010-11 team. The Dukes advanced to the WNIT for a fifth consecutive season.

"I'm thankful for this incredible opportunity from Chancellor Nordenberg and Steve Pederson," said McConnell-Serio. "I've been impressed with everything at the University of Pittsburgh and especially their commitment to the women's basketball program. Pitt is about its people and the enthusiasm that they have is really exciting and I'm proud to be a part of it."

McConnell-Serio was a star player at Penn State (1984-88) and set NCAA Division I records for career assists (1,307), assists in a season (355) and single-season assists per game (11.8).

A two-time Olympian, McConnell-Serio was the head coach of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx. She was named the 2004 WNBA Coach of the Year.

McConnell-Serio replaces Agnus Berenato, who was fired earlier this month after the Panthers posted a second straight winless season in the Big East.