A year after resigning to focus on spending more time with his family, Bill Sullivan will be back on the bench for GW Women’s Basketball in 2018-19. His wife, and head coach, Jennifer Rizzotti announced on Monday that Sullivan will serve as an assistant coach for the Colonials.
Sullivan’s return reunites the two on the court after they had spent 17 years on the sidelines together, 16 at Hartford and one in Foggy Bottom.
“Sully has been by my side for my entire career,” Rizzotti said. “There are a lot of great assistant coaches in women’s basketball, but not any who know me and what drives me, knows the kind of players I want to coach and knows the game at the level he does. My Director of Athletics, Tanya Vogel, helped us work it out so that Sully can work part time in the profession he loves, but still make being a father a priority. It’s the best of both worlds for our family.
“Now everyone can benefit from his mentorship and guidance. My staff and team worked really hard last season to exceed expectations and get back to the NCAA Tournament, laying the groundwork for our future. That determination and work ethic, plus Sully’s experience and knowledge can help bring us to another level. I’m excited to see what we can all accomplish together.”
In his lone year with the Buff and Blue, Sullivan helped lead the Colonials to a third straight Atlantic 10 regular season title, a 20-win campaign, and a trip to the Women’s NIT. He stood alongside Rizzotti for 16 years at Hartford where he aided the Hawks in 10 trips to the postseason, including six NCAA Tournament appearances.
Sullivan rejoins the staff after the departure of Jackie Smith, who was named the head coach at Connecticut College in July.
“First, I’d like to thank Director of Athletics Tanya Vogel for the opportunity to return to the George Washington women’s basketball program after a long year off,” Sullivan said. “I’m tremendously excited to have a chance to coach Mei(-Lyn Bautista) and Kelsi (Mahoney) during their senior year, and I hope I can help in any way to fill the void left with the departure of now Connecticut College Head Coach Jackie Smith. She’ll be missed.”
In two years under Rizzotti, GW has posted a 39-24 record, including a 22-9 mark against A-10 competition. The Colonials have made a pair of postseason appearances, highlighted by advancing to the NCAA Tournament last year for the 18th time in program history.
Photo Courtesy GW Athletics
https://gwsports.com/news/2018/9/14/sullivan-returns-to-gw-womens-basketball-staff.aspx
Tagged with: A-10 George Washington
