Students who graduated from UConn over the weekend likely won’t have a hard time remembering their commencement speaker years from now.
Huskies and women’s basketball legend Maya Moore gave the commencement speech in a ceremony at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday. The two-time Naismith Player of the Year won back-to-back titles at UConn in 2009-10, leading the team to unbeaten 39-0 records both seasons. She went on to become a four-time WNBA champion and league MVP before pausing her basketball career to take on social justice work. She officially retired from basketball in January 2023.
We’re happy you’re on our team, Maya Moore and #UConn24 💙 pic.twitter.com/05NOxjMjBI
— UConn (@UConn) May 5, 2024
“As a fellow Husky, I am with you in how grateful we feel to call Storrs one of our homes,” Moore said in her speech. “During my time here, I was deeply shaped by my basketball family and was blessed to be a part of some historic Husky championship runs. … Winning games is one thing, but what inspires me most about our teams is the way we go about winning.”
“Wherever your journey takes you next, strive to bring that true winning team way to whatever community you commit to, and you will experience the joy of living out your purpose,” Moore said.
A legendary Husky back in Storrs 💙
Maya Moore Irons '11 returned to Gampel Pavilion this weekend as a commencement speaker for @UConnCLAS! pic.twitter.com/6s9Do9kVWW
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) May 6, 2024
UConn men’s basketball legend Khalid El-Amin was also in Storrs over the weekend to receive his degree, a Bachelor’s in General Studies. The point guard on the 1999 national championship team finished his academic work over the summer, coming back to finish what he started after a 17-year professional career overseas and time spent training and coaching.
El-Amin joins Ray Allen as former Huskies legends who came back to get their degrees after successful playing careers. Allen received his degree last year.
Congratulations, @ELAminTraining 🎓
Huskies for life! pic.twitter.com/Qjx2tkvZop
— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) May 5, 2024
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