Tony Rizza, who played soccer at UConn from 1983-86, has pledged $8 to build a new soccer complex on the same site as the current Joseph J. Morrone Stadium in Storrs.

Rizza made an anonymous $3 million donation for the project two years ago and pledged another $5 million on Monday to match donations for the facility, which will include a new stadium (still bearing is former coach's name), training grounds and practice field adjacent to the stadium. It will be named the Rizza Family Soccer Complex.

The two combined gifts, announced during a press conference Monday, makes Rizza the single-largest donor in the history of UConn's division of athletics.

"This gift is my way of recognizing coaches, faculty and campus staff who helped me while I was at UConn and it's a small way of saying thank you," said Rizza, who is senior managing director of Columbus Circle Investors, Inc., a Stamford investment advisory firm with $16.6 billion in assets and 65 employees.

Current UConn coach Ray Reid was the first donor to support Rizza's match with his own gift of $100,000.

Rizza played in three NCAA tournaments and was part of two Big East title teams under Morrone, who guided the Huskies to 16 NCAA tournament appearances from 1969-96.

"My experience at UConn and, more specifically, with the men's soccer program provided me with important life skills that have helped me succeed in my career," Rizza said.

- Day Staff Reports