Sports History
She Delivers
By Anne Madarasz

There are moments in sports history that define an era - Jesse Owens on the gold medal stand at the 1936 Olympics, Joe Namath guaranteeing a win in Super Bowl III, the Miracle on Ice in 1980. And there are athletes, such as Arnold Palmer, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Mia Hamm, who revolutionized a sport, bringing it new public attention or recognition.

Suzie McConnell Serio is one such athlete. She has achieved at every level of her sport, invigorating women's basketball and bringing new players to the game. McConnell came of age in the early days of Title IX, when few competitive opportunities existed for girls. With no team of her own to play on, she trailed her brothers to basketball practice where, she was noticed by their coach. She and her sister Kathy played their first formal basketball on that fourth grade boys' team, setting an example for their fellow students. Suzie's play eventually captured the interest of the girls in her Catholic grade school, and in sixth grade, they organized a team of their own. That team finished as runner up in the diocese league that year-the first success of many.

McConnell starred as a point guard at Seton LaSalle High School, then went on to a stellar career at Penn State. The Atlantic 10 Conference's Freshman of the Year in 1985, McConnell became a four-time All-A10 player. As a senior, Suzie was named a First Team Kodak All-American and finished as the NCAA's career record holder for assists with 1,307. In 1988 and 1992, she represented the United States in the Olympics, winning a gold and then a bronze medal. She also won gold at the 1991 World University Games. While competing on the world stage, Suzie also began coaching at Oakland Catholic. Her knowledge, storied career, and drive served her well as a motivator of high school girls. In 13 seasons, she compiled a 321-86 record, winning three state titles and finishing second twice.

After six years of not playing basketball, McConnell Serio returned to the court, called back when the WNBA was founded in 1997. Drafted by the Cleveland Rockers in 1998, Suzie added to her record of success, winning the Eastern Conference title, becoming a WNBA All-Star, and being named the Newcomer of the Year. In her three seasons in the league, she twice received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship award. Suzie balanced her playing and coaching with family responsibilities - raising a family of four with husband and fellow coach Pete Serio. In 2003, McConnell answered the call to coach in the WNBA, leaving Oakland Catholic to lead the Minnesota Lynx. Throughout her career, on the court and off, McConnell Serio has delivered - serving as an example of competitive excellence and motivating other women to follow in her footsteps.

Anne Madarasz is Director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, which features the story of Suzie McConnell Serio.