Another Lady Lion legend is returning to Happy Valley.
Former Penn State guard Kelly Mazzante has been hired as an assistant coach, the team announced on Wednesday. Mazzante donned the blue and white from 2000-04, overlapping with new head coach Tanisha Wright (2001-05) for three seasons, and established herself as arguably the top hooper in program history.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kelly back home to Happy Valley with me,” Wright said in a press release. “Having one of the best players in Penn State history to coach alongside me is crucial in what we are building. Her knowledge of not just the game of basketball, but Lady Lion basketball will be essential as we bring this program back to where it belongs. Kelly was one of the most competitive teammates and athletes I have had the honor to play with, and I can’t wait to join forces back at a place that holds special meaning to both of us.”
Together, the two guided Penn State to a run of sustained success, including NCAA tournament appearances each year. Mazzante was a four-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2001 Big Ten Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004. She was the NCAA’s scoring leader in 2001-02 with 24.9 points per game, including a 49-point performance against Minnesota featuring nine three-pointers.
She still holds program records for total points (2,919), points per game (21.9) and single-game points.
Mazzante was a three-time All-American and was named the Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year across all sports in 2004. Her No. 13 jersey was retired in 2004 after she set numerous program and conference records.
She was selected by the Charlotte Sting with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA and led a successful career, including winning championships in 2007 and 2009 with the Phoenix Mercury. He last WNBA season came in 2011 with the Atlanta Dream, before overseas stints in Slovakia, Russia, Hungary and Italy.
Mazzante’s previous coaching experience includes five seasons with Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2014-19), four seasons at Bucknell (2019-2023) and three with Georgetown (2023-26), including roles as a recruiting coordinator, assistant coach and associate head coach.
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