UConn head coach Laura Valentino earned her 100th career win in a 2-1 triumph over St. John’s on Saturday.
As the Huskies’ skipper celebrates the milestone victory, here are Five Fast Facts about her career.
1. She is in her fourth season as UConn head coach.
Valentino took over the helm of the UConn program in July 2019, with the 2020 season her first as head coach. Her first head coaching role, she led the Huskies through the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects.
2. Her staff earned conference honors in 2022.
In their second full season and third year overall leading the Huskies program, Valentino and Co. were named the Big East Coaching Staff of the Year last season. The year included UConn’s first Big East regular-season title since 1997.
3. Her assistant coaching resume includes stints at three schools.
Prior to becoming the head coach at UConn, Valentino was an assistant coach at Duke for two years, part of the program’s inaugural staff. She also spent time as an assistant coach at Charlotte and Fairfield.
4. She played college softball at Hofstra.
Part of a decorated alumni group at Hofstra, Valentino graduated from the Pride program in 2011. She played multiple positions during her time on Long Island, started 84 games in total, and was an NFCA Scholar-Athlete during her career.
5. She was inducted into her high school Hall of Fame.
In 2014, Valentino was announced as a member of the Smithtown (NY) High School Hall of Fame. During her high school career, Valentino helped lead the program to two league championships, was named all-county three times, and earned the League IV Player of the Year award in 2007 as a senior.
