JENNIFER AZZI
With achievements ranging from seven hall of fame inductions, an Olympic Gold Medal, Stanford National Championship, Two World Championships, the Naismith Award, Wade Trophy, a successful WNBA career, and coaching the University of San Francisco Women’s Basketball team to its first NCAA tournament appearance in 20 years, Jennifer Azzi’s achievements have firmly established her as one of the most accomplished figures in sports.
Off the court, Jennifer is a well-regarded speaker, author and community supporter, and serves as an ambassador for the sport both locally and internationally. Locally, through her very successful Azzi Camps, she teaches lessons both on and off the court. Through her role as an NBA Academies Global Director and Jr. NBA Ambassador, Azzi has traveled thousands of miles representing the NBA to countries such as Africa, Denmark, Australia, Mexico, Canada, India and China. In addition, Azzi conducted the first-ever NBA clinic held at the White House, with President Obama. 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 positively serve area youth.
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 prestigious APR award for outstanding academic success. Only two programs in California won the honor-USF and Stanford. Her team finished the 2016 season with a 3.3 GPA.
Jennifer left USF as Head Coach in September of 2016, but remains a part of the USF community as Director of Special Initiatives. Additionally, Jennifer is an NBA, and Jr. NBA Ambassador and NBA Academy Global Director.
“One you have achieved a level of success, you have a responsibility to give and help others. My wish is that each athlete I work with has an opportunity to fulfill his or her dreams”
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.
Upon her graduation from Stanford in 1990 with a B.A. in Economics, Azzi embarked on a professional career that initially took her overseas before returning to compete once again on American soil. Azzi made successful stops abroad in Italy (1990-91), France (1991-93), and Sweden (1994-95).
In the American portion of her professional career, Azzi was one of the founding members of the American Basketball League along with Warriors owner Joe Lacob. A three-time all-star, she played for the San Jose Lasers from 1996 to 1999. During that span, she was named the March of Dimes Female Athlete of the Year in 1996 and was awarded the Sport Image Award, with NFL great Jerry Rice, in 1996.
A highly-sought after public speaker and panelist best known for her dynamic talks on how to lead and motivate teams, Jennifer has addressed corporate, university and association audiences worldwide.
